Andrea Pirlo Considered for Italy Head Coach as Mancini Remains Favorite

Italy's national football team, absent from the last three World Cups despite winning the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2020, is seeking a new head coach following a disappointing playoff loss to Bosnia in March and the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have been top candidates, with Pep Guardiola's name also mentioned. However, a new contender has emerged: former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.

Pirlo's candidacy is supported by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, appointed by Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago to oversee the sport's professional side. Despite their backing, Pirlo's coaching career has been underwhelming. He was Juventus head coach in 2020 but was dismissed after one season despite winning the Italian Cup. He subsequently coached Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, Sampdoria, and Dubai United in the UAE.

According to the Italian outlet Panorama, Malago trusts Maldini and Leonardo but remains cautious about appointing Pirlo due to his limited coaching success. Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory at Euro 2021, remains the preferred candidate. The Italian team faces a tight schedule, with upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Turkey in two months, adding urgency to the coaching decision.