Pirlo Italy rebuild hinges on Nations League priority
The Azzurri stand at a crossroads, with the disappointment of a World Cup play‑off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31 contrasting sharply against a Nations League campaign that will define Italy's immediate future. Andrea Pirlo is on the brink of becoming head coach, a role the side has lacked since early April when Gennaro Gattuso quit after the World Cup defeat.
The vacancy emerged in early April, leaving the Azzurri without a CT for the first time since the summer. Reports from the past 24 hours confirm Pirlo is in line for the job, although his appointment has not satisfied everybody within the Italian football establishment.
Pirlo, the former Milan and Juventus midfielder, is poised to take charge of the national side. His playing pedigree at both clubs adds a familiar face to the rebuilding project, while his transition from club legend to national team leader marks a significant shift.
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini travelled to Barcelona to hold talks with Pep Guardiola about the vacancy and admitted speaking to Carlo Ancelotti beforehand. Maldini and his advisor Leonardo have been central to the recruitment process, underscoring the importance placed on finding the right successor.
Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have also been linked with the position at different stages over recent weeks and months, highlighting the high profile of the vacancy and the range of experienced candidates considered.
Italy one step from relegation in the Nations League
Maldini and Leonardo described the new Italy project as a long‑term affair, potentially requiring eight to ten years to restore the Azzurri to their desired global standing. This perspective frames the Nations League as the first measurable step in a broader rebuilding timeline.
The upcoming Nations League group places Italy in Group A with France, Belgium and Turkey, with each nation to be played home and away from September to November. Results will affect Italy’s FIFA world‑ranking position and could influence seeding at major tournaments.
Currently, the Azzurri sit 15th in the rankings, their lowest spot since 2019, making the Nations League outcomes crucial for improving their standing ahead of future competitions.
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On May 18, Pirlo addressed the media at a Juventus press conference ahead of the TIMVISION Cup Final between Atalanta and Juventus, underscoring his readiness to lead the national side and signalling the start of his tenure.
The contrast between the recent World Cup disappointment and the forward‑looking Nations League focus reveals that Italy’s rebuild hinges not only on long‑term planning but also on delivering immediate results in the league to restore confidence and improve their global position.