Pirlo Set To Lead Italy After Guardiola, Ancelotti Snub

Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate to become Italy’s next head coach after the national federation’s top two targets turned down the job, according to multiple reports.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) approached the former AC Milan and Juventus midfielder on Friday with a four-year contract offer, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed. Pirlo is now the clear favorite to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who left the post in April by mutual agreement.

The federation had initially pursued Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, but both managers declined the opportunity, sources told local media. With those options exhausted, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina moved quickly to secure Pirlo.

Pirlo, 47, has been out of management since leaving Turkish Süper Lig club Fatih Karagümrük in May 2024. His previous coaching stints include Juventus (2020–21), where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, and a brief relegation-ending spell at Sampdoria.

The Azzurri are searching for a permanent manager after Gattuso’s departure following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—marking the nation’s second consecutive absence from the tournament. The team’s next competitive fixtures begin in September with Euro 2028 qualifying.

An official announcement is expected once final contractual terms are settled, with reports indicating a deal worth approximately €3.5 million per season.