Andrea Pirlo could well be Italy's next head coach. After Pep Guardiola turned down the role, choosing to take a sabbatical year, the Italian Football Federation is said to have made the former midfielder its top favourite to take charge of the Squadra Azzurra. Carlo Ancelotti, who was also approached in recent days, was not available due to his commitment with the Brazilian national team.
A symbolic and ambitious choice
World Cup winner in 2006 and a true icon of Italian football, Pirlo represents a choice that is as symbolic as it is ambitious for the Federation. After mixed experiences in the dugout at Juventus, Fatih Karagümrük, Sampdoria and then Dubai United, the former number 21 could make a high-profile return to the forefront by taking direct charge of the national team.
A new cycle to build
Italy is looking to turn the page after several difficult years, marked in particular by three consecutive failures in the race to qualify for the World Cup. The Federation's new leadership hopes to launch a rebuilding project by relying on a prominent figure of Italian football identity, capable of embodying a renewed playing philosophy.
An official announcement expected
While several Italian media outlets are already reporting a agreement in principle between the two parties, the Federation has so far made no official announcement. A confirmation could, however, come in the coming days, should the final details be ironed out.
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