Expectations have widely increased that Andrea Pirlo will take over as the new coach of Italy soon with a contract extending until the 2030 World Cup, after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down the position.

The Italian national team may finally be on the verge of appointing a permanent coach for the first time since Gennaro Gattuso resigned following their failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The technical director of the Italian federation, Paolo Maldini, and special advisor Leonardo confirmed in the press conference held on Thursday that they first spoke with former Milan coach Ancelotti, then with Guardiola.

With the news spreading today that Guardiola rejected the position because he wants to stay closer to his family after a decade spent at Manchester City, all eyes are now on Pirlo.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport Italia, and Calcio Mercato, the announcement is expected before the end of the weekend.

Although he is currently under contract with United FC, a club in the UAE Pro League, which he joined in July 2025, terminating that contract will not be a major problem.