CT Italia: It’s official—the Azzurri are now in Andrea Pirlo’s hands. The numbers and how the national team is changing

Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Italian national team. After Pep Guardiola turned down the offer, technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo decided to immediately finalize the deal with the former coach of Juventus, Fatih Karagumruk, Sampdoria, and United FC. Reports indicate a four-year contract worth 1.5 million euros per season.

Pirlo was the only viable option for Maldini after Pep Guardiola turned down the offer: Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, the other two candidates, were never contacted in recent weeks, despite the Serie A League pushing for the Lecce-born coach’s arrival, while President Giovanni Malagò was in favor of a return for the Jesi-born coach. In recent hours, the possibility of retaining Silvio Baldini had also been raised, but Maldini remained adamant.

The announcement will be made by the weekend; all that’s missing is the Maestro’s signature on the contract. He will become head coach with the goal of excelling in the Nations League and qualifying for the next European Championship, before setting his sights on the 2030 World Cup. Pirlo is finalizing his contract with United FC, a team based in Dubai, and his appointment will be announced shortly.

With his arrival, the national team will aim to follow the example of world and European champion Spain, playing an attacking, possession-based style of soccer with a variety of tactical approaches depending on the situation and the players at his disposal. The core players will be Donnarumma, Bastoni, Dimarco, Tonali, Barella, and Francesco Pio Esposito up front. Pirlo is also ready to bring in several young players who have already made an impression during Silvio Baldini’s brief tenure. Keep an eye out, too, for the possible return of Federico Chiesa, whom Pirlo has always held in high regard.