The Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) public approach to Pep Guardiola has been criticized by the country's Sport Minister, Andrea Abodi. Abodi believes that the FIGC should have kept talks with Guardiola secret, rather than making them public. This comes as Italy is set to appoint Andrea Pirlo as their new head coach, with the former midfielder expected to sign a four-year deal.

Background

Newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to hold talks with Guardiola, who, however, didn’t make himself available. Abodi expressed his concerns about the public approach, stating that it was a 'gamble' to make the talks public without being certain of getting a positive response from Guardiola.

Implications

The appointment of Pirlo as the new head coach is seen as a long-term investment by the FIGC. Pirlo has previously coached Juventus, Sampdoria, and Turkish side Karagumruk, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first and only season at Juventus in the 2020-21 campaign. He is currently in charge of UAE side United FC and must terminate his contract before signing with the FIGC.

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Reaction

Abodi has expressed his hope that Pirlo will 'show his worth' as the Azzurri coach, despite having some reservations about the public approach to Guardiola. The Sport Minister believes that only time will tell if the decision to appoint Pirlo was the right one, and that the pitch will determine whether the decision was farsighted.

Our Take

The public approach to Guardiola was a mistake, and the FIGC should have kept the talks secret to avoid embarrassment. Pirlo's appointment is a gamble, but he has the potential to succeed as the Azzurri coach. The next four years will be crucial in determining the success of the Italian national team.

What This Means

The appointment of Pirlo as the new head coach means that Italy will have a new direction and style of play. The team will likely focus on developing young players and building a strong squad for the future. The failure to appoint Guardiola may be seen as a setback, but Pirlo's experience and knowledge of the game could be beneficial for the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new head coach of the Italian national team?

Andrea Pirlo

Why was the public approach to Pep Guardiola criticized?

The public approach was criticized because it was seen as a 'gamble' and may have embarrassed the FIGC if Guardiola had not accepted the offer

What is the length of Andrea Pirlo's contract with the FIGC?

Four years