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.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.