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Football Today

·24 July 2026

Football Today

·24 July 2026

Italy are close to naming Andrea Pirlo as their new manager.

The Azzurri moved towards him after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola rejected the chance to replace Gennaro Gattuso.

Technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo confirmed that they had spoken to Ancelotti before making contact with Guardiola. However, both turned down the offer.

Guardiola’s call was said to be shaped by more than financial reasons alone.

The former Manchester City manager wanted a salary of about €20 million per year, far above the FIGC’s budget.

He also wants a long break from management after a decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium, with family time taking priority before he thinks about his next job.

Once those choices were ruled out, focus moved quickly to Pirlo.

The 47-year-old only joined United Arab Emirates Pro League club United FC in July 2025, but there will be no problem over an agreement to end his contract.

Pirlo is set to sign a deal running until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

He will earn around €1.5m a year, which is only a small part of the wages needed to hire Guardiola, Ancelotti, Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini.

As a member of Italy’s famous 2006 World Cup-winning team, Pirlo’s coaching career has had mixed results.

He won the Coppa Italia in his only season at Juventus before later spells with Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and Sampdoria in Serie B.

Even with that uneven record, Maldini and Leonardo see Pirlo as the right long-term appointment.

His strong bond with both former AC Milan team-mates, together with his admiration for his mentor Ancelotti, has strengthened his case.

Italy want to rebuild the side around youth development, technical quality and a clear football identity for the 2028 European Championship and 2030 World Cup.