Andrea Pirlo set to be named next manager of the Azzurri in the coming days

Andrea Pirlo is set to finally be announced as the manager of the Azzurri in the coming days. This comes as he will replace current interim Silvio Baldini. Baldini took over for two friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece after the firing of Gennaro Gattuso, who previously had the role.

Gattuso was fired for missing the World Cup with the Azzurri, missing out on penalties in a playoff against Bosnia Herzegovina. This meant the Azzurri missed a third World Cup in a row, which led to serious changes. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo were hired by Giovanni Malago in the FIGC to fix the problem.

President FIGC Giovanni Malago, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo pose for a photo during FIGC Management Meet Lega Serie A on July 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Maldini’s first targets for a new manager were, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. Carlo Ancelotti turned down the role as he wanted to stay with the Brazilian national team, while Guardiola wanted to take time off after leaving Manchester City. This left Maldini and Leonardo looking at alternative targets.

Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo were the two names most closely rumoured with the Azzurri job. Giovanni Malago preferred hiring Mancini, while Maldini pushed for Pirlo. Regardless, the two finally came to an agreement deceding to give Pirlo the job until 2028.

This is according to Nico Schira, who reports the initial contract will run until 2028. Pirlo’s contract will include an option to extend his current deal until 2030. This will only be undertaken, by Maldini and the FIGC once his current deal expires. The deal will also Pirlo earn 1.5M per year.