Guardiola Turns Down Italy; Pirlo to Take Over as Head Coach
Pep Guardiola's salary demands and decision to take a break from football paved the way for Andrea Pirlo to become the new Italy head coach.
After Carlo Ancelotti decided to continue with the Brazilian national team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) approached Pep Guardiola for the vacant head coach position. However, the Spanish tactician reportedly demanded an annual salary of €20 million, which the federation could not afford. Moreover, Guardiola has chosen to take a break from football after 10 seasons with Manchester City to spend time with his family.
According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has reached a verbal agreement with FIGC to become the next head coach. The 47-year-old is expected to sign the contract in the coming days.
Pirlo is currently in charge of UAE club Dubai United, having previously managed Sampdoria and his former club Juventus during the 2020/21 season. Italy's World Cup qualifying campaign was led by Pirlo’s former teammate Gennaro Gattuso. This summer's World Cup marked the third consecutive tournament Italy has missed.
