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Andrea Pirlo has unexpectedly emerged as a serious contender to take charge of the Italy national football team, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo reportedly advocating for the appointment of their former AC Milan and World Cup-winning teammate. This development adds another layer of intrigue to a managerial contest already featuring prominent figures such as Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and ex-Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

Historic crisis leads to Pirlo consideration

Italy are experiencing one of the most challenging periods in their footballing history, having stunningly failed to qualify for three successive FIFA World Cups—in 2018, 2022, and 2026. For a nation that has lifted the World Cup trophy four times, this sequence of failures is particularly painful, especially given that the most recent tournament expanded to 48 teams from 32.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pirlo has now been added to the shortlist of potential managers tasked with rebuilding the Azzurri ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Maldini and Leonardo are said to be strongly supporting Pirlo, currently managing United FC in Dubai, where he recently secured promotion. Maldini, who won two UEFA Champions League titles alongside Pirlo at AC Milan, believes his former teammate possesses the tactical intelligence and leadership needed to rejuvenate Italy’s struggling football system.

FIGC president assesses Guardiola possibility

While Pirlo’s candidacy gains traction, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) continues to evaluate other options, including an ambitious pursuit of Pep Guardiola. FIGC president Giovanni Malago acknowledged that hiring the former Manchester City boss would be an extraordinary move but admitted that financial and logistical challenges remain significant.

Malago commented, “No one can deny that bringing in someone like the former City manager would be a major milestone, but the financial figures and overall compatibility must be carefully evaluated. I know it may sound unusual, but by tomorrow, or at the latest the day after, we will identify the main profiles with Maldini and Leonardo to reach a unified decision — perhaps we all share the same vision.”

Maldini leads a new strategic selection process

The current selection process signifies a major methodological change within the FIGC, largely influenced by Maldini and Leonardo. Both Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain in contention and are reportedly awaiting contact. Conte’s appeal lies in his clear tactical structure and motivational style, while Mancini’s record includes guiding Italy to victory at the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021).

However, the final decision will emerge from a new collaborative decision-making model. Reflecting on this shift, Malago stated, “If it were not so, it would mean denying everything we have discussed in the past two weeks. In the past, the process was legitimate but different from what we are implementing now.”

What lies ahead for the Italy national team

A high-level meeting involving Malago, Maldini, and Leonardo is expected soon to finalise their top managerial choices. A definitive decision on Italy’s next head coach is anticipated by the end of the weekend. Supporters will be eager to see whether the federation opts for the tactical certainty of Conte or Mancini, or instead embarks on a new chapter under Pirlo in an effort to end the nation’s long-standing World Cup drought.