Pirlo emerges as hot favourite for Italy job chosen by Maldini
Quick summary
Andrea Pirlo is reportedly the leading candidate to become the new head coach of the Italy national team, with Paolo Maldini playing a key role in the selection process.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAndrea Pirlo is the new favourite to take over as Italy coach, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport , as Paolo Maldini and Leonardo hope to reunite with a former Milan teammate.
The Nazionale can begin taking shape now that the decision has finally been made to appoint a technical director, a role that until now did not exist within the Azzurri set-up.
Maldini is in charge now along with his consultant Leonardo of choosing who will sit on the bench when Italy begin their Nations League campaign in September.
Pirlo emerges as Italy candidate NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 8: Former New York City FC player Andrea Pirlo waves to fans prior to the MLS match against Orlando City at Yankee Stadium on March 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images) Until now, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini had been the main contenders for a return to the job, along with the audacious idea of approaching Pep Guardiola.
However, the Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Pirlo is emerging as a genuine candidate.
The 47-year-old was of course part of the squad that won the 2006 World Cup, and he is currently a coach in Dubai with United FC.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division. His management experience is limited to Juventus in 2020-21, where he won the Coppa Italia, then in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk, and a brief spell at Sampdoria that ended in August 2024.
Pirlo knows both Maldini and Leonardo well from their time together at the successful Milan side, where the midfielder played from 2001 to 2011.
It is reported that Maldini had wanted to hire him as the coach of Milan in 2023.
Unlike the other alternatives on the list, Pirlo’s wage demands would not break the bank of the FIGC.
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What happened
Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the hot favourite to take over as Italy national team head coach, with Paolo Maldini reportedly championing his candidacy. The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder, who has limited coaching experience, is being considered as the Azzurri look for a new direction following recent disappointments. Maldini's influence in the decision-making process suggests a shift toward appointing a figure closely tied to Italian football's traditions. The appointment would mark a significant gamble given Pirlo's brief managerial career.
Chance analysis
This is a major managerial story for the Italian national team setup. Pirlo, despite limited coaching experience (a turbulent spell at Juventus and a season at Sampdoria), being chosen by Maldini signals a preference for identity and tradition over proven tactical pedigree. For prediction systems, the Italy national team's playing philosophy, results trajectory, and squad selection could all shift significantly depending on this appointment. The choice of a former midfield great aligns with Italy's historical preference for technically-oriented leadership.
Likely change in Italy national team tactical identity and short-term performance volatility if Pirlo is confirmed as head coach.
If Pirlo is appointed Italy coach, expect a possession-based, technically-oriented approach but with volatility given his limited experience; recalibrate Italy match predictions accordingly.