Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next Italy head coach, with the Italian Football Federation expecting to announce its decision by next week.
Paolo Maldini, serving as technical director, and his advisor Leonardo are leading the selection process and are reportedly eager to reunite with their former AC Milan colleague. The pair are working alongside FIGC President Giovanni Malagò to finalise a shortlist of candidates.
The new management structure represents a significant change for the Azzurri, who previously operated without a technical director. The search for a permanent successor follows Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation in March after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. U21 coach Silvio Baldini temporarily oversaw the side for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
The candidate list
While Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini were initially considered the primary contenders for a return to the role, reports indicate that Conte is no longer a frontrunner. Mancini maintains a solid bond with President Malagò, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also been linked with the vacancy.
However, sources suggest that securing Guardiola would prove financially challenging for the federation. The 47-year-old Pirlo’s wage demands are understood to be significantly lower than those of his rivals, strengthening his position as an economically viable option.
Pirlo’s credentials
The 2006 World Cup winner brings managerial experience from Italy and abroad. He secured the Coppa Italia during his solitary season at Juventus in 2020-21 before managing Turkish club Karagumruk and Serie B side Sampdoria, departing the latter in August 2024. He currently coaches United FC in Dubai.
Pirlo’s connection to Maldini and Leonardo stems from their successful decade together at Milan between 2001 and 2011. It is understood that Maldini had previously sought to appoint Pirlo as Milan coach in 2023.
The federation aims to complete the appointment swiftly as Italy prepare for their Nations League campaign, which begins in September.