Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate to become Italy head coach, with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò expected to meet the former midfielder soon as the federation targets a final decision by next week.
Paolo Maldini, serving as technical director, and his advisor Leonardo are steering the selection process. The pair, who formed part of the successful AC Milan side alongside Pirlo between 2001 and 2011, have identified the 2006 World Cup winner as their ideal candidate. Reports indicate that Maldini had previously sought to appoint Pirlo as Milan coach in 2023, underscoring the long-standing professional respect between the former teammates.
The appointment marks a significant structural change for the Azzurri, who previously operated without a technical director. The role became vacant following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation in March after Italy failed to secure qualification for the World Cup. Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini temporarily oversaw the senior side for friendly fixtures against Luxembourg and Greece in June, but the federation now seeks a permanent solution ahead of competitive action.
Rivals and reservations
Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini were initially regarded as the primary contenders to return to the post, though reports differ on their current standing. While some sources suggest Conte is no longer a frontrunner, others maintain he remains in contention alongside Mancini, who retains a particularly strong bond with President Malagò. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also been linked with the vacancy, though securing his services would present significant financial hurdles for the FIGC.
Pirlo’s economic expectations appear to favour his candidacy. His wage demands are reportedly considerably lower than those of alternative candidates, offering the federation a cost-effective option without compromising on high-profile managerial experience.
Managerial record and timeline
The 47-year-old currently manages United FC in the UAE Pro League. His managerial career includes winning the Coppa Italia during his single season at Juventus in 2020-21, followed by a spell at Turkish side Karagumruk and a brief tenure at Sampdoria, which concluded in August 2024.
The urgency for Italy is acute. The national team are scheduled to commence their Nations League campaign in September, leaving limited time for the new appointee to evaluate the squad, establish tactical frameworks and build cohesion before competitive fixtures begin.