Pirlo begins assembling Italy staff after accepting national team job through 2030

Andrea Pirlo is set to become the new head coach of the Italian national team and has already begun assembling his backroom staff, with several familiar faces expected to join him.

The 2006 World Cup winner has reportedly accepted an offer from the FIGC to lead the Azzurri through to the 2030 World Cup, becoming the third choice after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola both turned down the opportunity. The only remaining step is for Pirlo to terminate his current contract with UAE club United FC before signing the deal with the Italian federation.

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia, Pirlo is wasting no time in putting together his coaching team. His assistant manager will be Roberto Baronio, the former Brescia, Fiorentina, Lazio and Udinese midfielder who has been by Pirlo's side since their time together at the Juventus academy. Baronio was also Pirlo's teammate in the Italy Under-21 side that won the European Championship in 2000, and he has previously coached the Italy U18 and U19 sides in 2015-17.

Roberto De Bellis, currently working with Pirlo and Baronio at United FC, is expected to take the role of fitness coach. A new addition to the group would be Paolo Bertelli, who only recently signed on as Performance Manager at Genoa — he may be asked to serve in a dual capacity with the national team. Marco Savorani could also return as goalkeeping coach, a position he held under Luciano Spalletti's Italy between 2023 and 2025, having previously worked at Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Fiorentina and most recently Atalanta.

The appointment marks a significant moment for Italian football, as the federation turns to one of the country's most iconic midfielders to lead the next cycle. Pirlo's prior coaching experience includes Juventus, Sampdoria, Karagumruk and most recently United FC in the UAE.

Sources

• Football Italia: https://football-italia.net/pirlo-begins-to-assemble-new-italy-staff/
• Gianluca Di Marzio: https://www.gianlucadimarzio.com/news-calcio/pirlo-ct-nazionale-495144