Andrea Pirlo ‘to become’ Italy head coach on four-year deal | OneFootball

La Repubblica reports that the Italian Football Federation and Andrea Pirlo have reached agreement for the 116-cap midfielder to become Italy head coach on a four-year deal, billed as a rescue mission.

The post has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso resigned on 3 April after the play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a 1-1 draw followed by a 1-4 loss on penalties.

Pirlo, currently in charge of United FC in the United Arab Emirates top division, is expected to sign until 2030, the year of the next World Cup. Italy have not featured at the tournament since 2014 in Brazil.

New federation president Giovanni Malago, newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini, and Leonardo, Maldini’s adviser, have settled on the former playmaker, who made more than 750 senior appearances, including 401 for AC Milan.

He was not the first contacted for the role. Carlo Ancelotti, under contract with Brazil, turned it down, and Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City after 10 years of success, also rejected the approach.

Source: L'Équipe