Andrea Pirlo is set to become the new Italy coach and has already begun assembling his backroom team. The appointment will see him take charge of the national side on a contract running until the 2030 World Cup, though he must first end his association with UAE club United FC.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Pirlo accepted the position after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declined the opportunity. The delay in his official unveiling relates to the formalities of exiting his current post in the United Arab Emirates.
Backroom staff taking shape
Roberto Baronio will serve as assistant manager, having worked with Pirlo since their time together at the Juventus academy and followed him to Karagumruk, Sampdoria and United FC. Baronio, who played for Brescia, Fiorentina, Lazio and Udinese during his career, previously managed Italy’s Under-18 and Under-19 sides between 2015 and 2017.
The pair also share history as players, having been teammates in the Italy squad that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2000.
Roberto De Bellis, another current colleague at United FC, is expected to assume the role of fitness coach. Goalkeeping coach Marco Savorani could also return to the national team setup, having held the position under Luciano Spalletti from 2023 until 2025. Savorani was recently with Atalanta and has previously worked at Roma, Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina.
Paolo Bertelli may join as Performance Manager, though he only recently took up a similar role at Genoa, potentially requiring him to balance both positions.
Contract structure
The Italian Football Federation has offered Pirlo a long-term deal extending to the 2030 World Cup. This arrangement will see him lead the national team through the next two global tournaments.
His official appointment awaits only the resolution of his contractual situation with United FC, after which he will formally take charge.