Italy appoints Pirlo after World Cup failure: Can he fix the Azzurri?

Italy’s football federation has turned to one of its most iconic midfielders to steady a ship that has drifted dangerously close to the rocks. Andrea Pirlo will be appointed as the Azzurri’s new head coach on a four-year contract, tasked with restoring pride and credibility after the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The move follows the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April and the collapse of talks with Pep Guardiola, who cited personal reasons beyond football for declining the role.

A gamble with history

Pirlo’s appointment is a high-risk decision that places the federation’s faith in a man who knows Italy’s football identity better than most. As a player, he was the metronome of the 2006 World Cup-winning side, orchestrating a midfield that suffocated opponents and delivered a trophy that remains the country’s last major honour. His club career—spanning Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus—cemented his status as a serial winner, while his coaching stints at Juventus and in the Middle East with Dubai United have given him tactical nous and man-management experience.

The federation’s urgency is understandable. Italy failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row, a drought that has exposed deep structural flaws in youth development and talent pathways. Giovanni Malagò, the federation president, has framed Pirlo’s arrival as the first step in a broader rebuild, one that must begin immediately if the Azzurri are to avoid further embarrassment on the global stage.

From Guardiola to Pirlo: the road not taken

Malagò’s pursuit of Guardiola this week underscored the federation’s desperation. The Manchester City manager had been in advanced talks, but ultimately declined, citing reasons that “go beyond football.” His decision leaves Pirlo as the fallback option—a figure whose appointment carries symbolic weight but also the weight of expectation. The contrast with Jurgen Klopp, who this week signed a four-year deal to manage Germany, could not be sharper. Where Klopp arrives with a mandate to rebuild a proud but underperforming side, Pirlo inherits a squad that has failed to qualify for three major tournaments in a row.

Italy’s crisis is not just about results; it is about identity. The 2006 triumph was built on tactical discipline, collective endeavour, and a spine of homegrown talent. The current generation, by contrast, has struggled to replicate that cohesion, with squads often lacking the technical precision and tactical awareness that defined Pirlo’s era. His challenge will be to rediscover those qualities while navigating a football landscape that has changed dramatically since his playing days.

Rebuilding the Azzurri: what lies ahead

Pirlo’s first task will be to restore confidence in a squad that has been publicly fractured by inconsistency. Gattuso’s tenure ended in acrimony, with reports of dressing-room tensions and a lack of clear direction. Pirlo’s appointment suggests the federation believes his calm authority—both as a player and a coach—can heal those divides. His experience at Juventus, where he won Serie A in his debut season, will be crucial in instilling a winning mentality.

Yet the obstacles are formidable. Italy’s next competitive matches are the Nations League finals in June 2025, a tournament that could serve as an early barometer of Pirlo’s progress. Beyond that, the Euro 2028 qualifiers loom, followed by the 2030 World Cup on home soil. The federation’s four-year contract reflects the scale of the task, but it also signals a long-term commitment to Pirlo’s vision.

His coaching philosophy will be closely scrutinised. Pirlo’s Juventus side was known for its possession-based approach, but his time in Turkey with Sampdoria and in the UAE with Dubai United has shown adaptability. Whether he can blend Italy’s traditional defensive solidity with modern attacking demands remains an open question. What is certain is that the pressure will be relentless. Italian football demands immediate success, and Pirlo’s honeymoon period will be brief.

Pirlo’s appointment is a gamble, but in a country where football is a national obsession, it is a gamble worth taking. The alternative—a prolonged decline—would be unthinkable. If he can restore pride and deliver results, he will be remembered as the man who saved Italy’s footballing soul. If not, the federation’s crisis will deepen, and the search for a new identity will begin again.

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