Expectations have grown widely that Andrea Pirlo will soon take over as Italy's new coach with a contract running until the 2030 World Cup, after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola rejected the position.

The Italian national team may finally be close to appointing a permanent coach for the first time since Gennaro Gattuso resigned following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Italian FA technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that they first spoke with former Milan coach Ancelotti, then with Guardiola.

With news spreading today that Guardiola rejected the position because he wants 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, one of the UAE Pro League clubs, which he joined in July 2025, terminating this contract should not be a major problem.

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