Andrea Pirlo is likely to be announced as the new coach of Italy on Monday or Tuesday, having finalized a four-year contract with a salary of €1.5 million.

Multiple sources have had no doubts since this afternoon that Pirlo will take over as the Azzurri boss, following Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola’s refusals of the role.

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Ancelotti recently signed a new contract with Brazil, and Guardiola is looking to spend more time with his family after a decade with Manchester City.

Italy job ready for Pirlo

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – APRIL 23: Head Coach Andrea Pirlo of Fatih Karagumruk looks on during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fatih Karagumruk SK at NEF Stadyumu on April 23, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Pirlo accepted the position immediately after being contacted by technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, with whom he shares a strong rapport from their time at AC Milan.

It is widely reported that his contract will last until the end of the 2030 World Cup, with a salary of €1.5 million per year.

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 02: Andrea Pirlo, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on May 02, 2021 in Udine, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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This development has strengthened his candidacy, particularly as reports suggest Guardiola would have demanded €20 million per season for the role.

Pirlo is still under contract with United Arab Emirates side United FC, a position he took last summer, but must first terminate that agreement by mutual consent.

While an official announcement is anticipated on Monday or Tuesday, it is likely to coincide with a meeting of the FIGC scheduled for Tuesday.

Technically, the FIGC is no longer involved in deciding on the new Italy coach, as the role of technical director now belongs to Maldini.

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Andrea Pirlo during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, it would be good timing to come together for the presentation.