Andrea Pirlo to manage Italy after Thiago Motta rejection
Following a series of rejections from top candidates, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have turned to Andrea Pirlo as Italy's new head coach.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Clément Bucco-Lechat
The Italian national team is nearing the appointment of a new head coach. According to Corriere dello Sport, technical director Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo have secured Andrea Pirlo as their choice after being turned down by Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Thiago Motta.
Pirlo is currently finalizing outstanding issues with his current club, United FC, where he is under contract until 30 June 2027. Once those formalities are resolved, he is expected to sign a deal with Italy that will commit him to the federation's new project until 2030.
Thiago Motta, who has been out of work since his departure from Juventus in March 2025, reportedly rejected the offer. The 43-year-old manager is keen to return to club-level football as soon as possible and does not yet feel prepared for a national team role.
The report also notes that the candidacy of Silvio Baldini, the current Under-21 coach, was blocked by Lega Serie A. Club officials reportedly opposed his appointment due to past public comments he made regarding club presidents.