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Italy appoint new manager after Pep Guardiola decision
Updated: 24 Jul 2026 18:10 BST |
4 min read
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The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reached an agreement with Andrea Pirlo to become the national team's new manager after ex-Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola removed himself from contention.
The FIGC cleaned house after Italy missed out on a third consecutive World Cup by losing a UEFA playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso left his position as head coach, and it has remained vacant since.
Before appointing a new manager, the FIGC set about restructuring the Azzurri's leadership structure. Legendary AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini was hired as technical director, while his former teammate Leonardo serves as an advisor.
The two were tasked with interviewing candidates, and they went big: in addition to Guardiola, they also approached Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti. The latter, however, rejected the opportunity, having just signed a new contract.
Guardiola, who has a long-standing connection with Italy, appeared to be genuinely interested, as evidenced by the fact that it took him almost a week to arrive at a decision after a secret meeting in Barcelona last weekend.
Pirlo instead of Pep
On Friday, news emerged that Guardiola had decided to reject the FIGC's proposal. It was initially reported in Italy that this was because his financial demands weren't met, but it is now believed that it was a personal decision.
Guardiola, who only just left Man City after a decade at the helm, wants to take a break from football and focus on his family. The 55-year-old has gone through personal issues in recent years and separated from his wife Cristina Serra in late 2024 after more than 30 years together.
This has forced the FIGC to pivot back around to an early favourite for the job: Andrea Pirlo. The former Azzurri midfielder has been in charge of Emirati side Dubai United since last year.
One of the greatest midfielders of all-time, Pirlo has yet to taste managerial success. He started his coaching career in Juventus' youth setup but was quickly thrust into the hot seat, where he suffered the ignominy of overseeing the end of the Bianconeri's decade of Serie A dominance.
He then lasted just one season at Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk and just 14 months at Serie B side Sampdoria. However, his close relationship with Maldini, who previously planned to hire him for Milan, has now helped him secure the Italy job.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Pirlo has accepted the FIGC's offer to lead the Azzurri. He will oversee a "long-term project," with the appointment set to be finalised in the "coming days."
Sky Sports adds that Pirlo will terminate his current contract with Dubai United in order to pursue this opportunity.
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