Andrea Pirlo emerges as frontrunner for Italy national team head coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò said the federation is close to finalising a short‑list for the new Italy men’s national team coach and will hold video meetings with technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo. Candidates being discussed include former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is currently coaching United FC in Dubai after spells at Juventus, Karagümrük and Sampdoria, as well as veteran managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Pep Guardiola was also mentioned but is deemed financially out of reach for the federation.

Reports indicate Pirlo is now the leading option, praised for his deep knowledge of Italian football, his experience as a player who won the 2006 World Cup, and his comparatively modest salary expectations. Malagò hinted that an official announcement could come within the next week, stressing the need for a coach who can rebuild the squad after the recent failure to qualify for the World Cup. The selection process is being watched closely by fans and officials ahead of the Euro 2024 and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.