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Italy secures Pirlo as coach after Guardiola snub

PUBLISHED Jul 24, 2026, 3:51 PM ET

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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.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

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

News Intelligence

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.