Italy secures Pirlo as coach after Guardiola snub
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Italy’s football federation (FIGC) has reached an agreement with former national team midfielder Andrea Pirlo to become head coach on a four-year contract, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported on Friday. Pirlo, 47, currently coaches Dubai United in the UAE First Division and previously managed Juventus to the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in the 2020-21 season. The reported deal follows Pep Guardiola’s decision to reject an approach to lead Italy, according to a source familiar with talks. Italy have been seeking a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after failing to reach a third consecutive World Cup finals.
More context
Timeline
- 2006 Pirlo wins World Cup with Italy
- 2020-21 Pirlo guides Juventus to domestic cups
- End of last season Guardiola leaves Manchester City
- April Gattuso resigns after World Cup failure
- Earlier this week FIGC explores Ancelotti availability
- Friday Guardiola declines Italy coaching approach
- Friday Report says Pirlo agrees four-year deal
- Today FIGC yet to comment publicly
Why it matters
If you're a soccer fan, this is big. Italy's team is getting a new leader, Andrea Pirlo. He's a former player turned coach with a solid track record. Plus, he's a World Cup winner. You might want to keep an eye on Italy's next games.
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