Italy’s Sport Minister Andrea Abodi has criticised the Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) public pursuit of Pep Guardiola, describing the approach as a “gamble” as the governing body prepares to confirm Andrea Pirlo as the new national team head coach.
Pirlo is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Azzurri, though he must first terminate his existing agreement with United FC in the UAE. The former midfielder will take charge following a controversial recruitment process that saw the federation openly target Guardiola before turning to the 45-year-old.
Guardiola approach draws government criticism
Newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to hold discussions with Guardiola, who did not make himself available for the role. The pair confirmed the meeting during a press conference on Thursday, with Maldini adding that he had also spoken to Carlo Ancelotti.
Abodi told Sky TG 24 that the federation should have kept negotiations discreet rather than publicising the approach. “I don’t know whether Guardiola had thought this through. I believe that, when it comes to publicly communicating an option like this, either you have a reasonable degree of confidence that you can achieve the outcome, or it’s better to keep it discreet,” he said.
He added: “The alternatives seem so far apart that it was probably a gamble to bring it up without being certain of getting a yes. Gambles are always a hazard, so we need decisions that make sense, and only the pitch will determine whether a decision has been farsighted, given that the agreement should be for four years.”
Pirlo’s credentials and immediate future
Despite his reservations about the recruitment process, Abodi expressed hope that Pirlo would justify the federation’s decision. “I won’t express an opinion because I’m a fan of the national team, and I hope that this choice by President Malagò, alongside Maldini and Leonardo, will lead to the results we hope for, knowing that it’s a long-term path,” he said. “Pirlo has his own experience as a coach, proving his worth. I hope he can further confirm it.”
Pirlo, currently managing United FC, previously coached Juventus during the 2020-21 season, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. He has also managed Sampdoria and Turkish side Karagumruk.
The appointment represents a significant shift in direction for the FIGC following the high-profile but unsuccessful Guardiola approach. Pirlo’s immediate priority will be negotiating his release from United FC before officially taking charge of the national team and beginning work on a four-year project aimed at rebuilding the Azzurri.