Pirlo close to taking over Italy national team

Expectations have grown widely 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 rejected the position.

The Italian national team may finally be about to appoint a permanent head coach for the first time since Gennaro Gattuso's resignation 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 yesterday, Thursday, that they first spoke with former Milan coach Ancelotti, and then with Guardiola.

With news spreading today that Guardiola rejected the position due to his desire to stay closer to his family after a decade at Manchester City, attention has turned to Pirlo.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport Italia, and Calciomercato, 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 this contract would not be a major problem.