World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo set to become Italy's new head coach

Italy are set to appoint World Cup-winning legend Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the national football team.

The former midfield maestro reached a four-year agreement with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), according to reports.

According to Italian daily La Repubblica, the deal is all but complete, with only an official announcement remaining. Reuters also reported that Pirlo's appointment is now considered a formality.

The 47-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, played a pivotal role in Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph in Germany. During his illustrious playing career, Pirlo won numerous domestic and international titles with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, establishing himself as one of the game's most elegant playmakers.

Pirlo is currently the head coach of UAE First Division side Dubai United. He previously managed Juventus during the 2020–21 season, guiding the club to Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup titles in his debut campaign.

His expected appointment comes after Pep Guardiola reportedly declined an approach from the Italian federation despite preliminary discussions with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò. The federation had also explored the possibility of bringing in Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of Brazil, before ultimately turning to Pirlo.

Italy have been searching for a new manager since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time.

With Pirlo poised to take charge, the Italian federation hopes one of the nation's greatest footballing icons can lead the four-time world champions back to the global stage and restore their status among international football's elite.