Italian football coach Andrea Pirlo. Biography

Andrea Pirlo is an Italian football player and coach, 2006 world champion and two—time winner of the UEFA Champions League. After completing his playing career, he moved on to coaching, headed leading European clubs and continues to work in professional football. In 2026, his appointment as coach of the Italian national football team was disrupted due to ties with a Russian bookmaker. About the life path and achievements of a specialist — in the material of Izvestia.

Childhood and the beginning of a sporting career

Andrea Pirlo was born on May 19, 1979 in the commune of Flero, located in the province of Brescia in northern Italy. From an early age, he started playing football at local sports schools. Pirlo made his professional debut at the Brescia club, where he proved himself to be a promising midfielder, which later allowed him to move to the leading teams of the country.

Gaming career and achievements

Pirlo's greatest fame came from playing for Inter Milan, Milan and Juventus Turin. As a member of Milan, he won the UEFA Champions League twice, in 2003 and 2007. During his career, the footballer won the Italian championship six times: he won two titles with Milan and four with Juventus

As a member of the Italian national team, Pirlo became world champion in 2006, making a significant contribution to the team's victory at the tournament in Germany. He is recognized as one of the best passers and free kickers in the history of world football.

Coaching activities

Pirlo's coaching career began in August 2020, when he was appointed head coach of Juventus Turin. Under his leadership, the team won the Italian Cup and the National Super Cup in the 2020/21 season. Despite the trophies he won, the specialist left the post at the end of the season.

Later, Pirlo worked in Turkey, where he headed the Fatih Karagumryuk club. In May 2023, he left his position with the Turkish team, and in June, his appointment as head coach of the Italian club Sampdoria was officially announced. Since 2025, the specialist has been heading Dubai United from the UAE.

Disruption of appointment to the post of coach of the Italian national team

After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and missing the third World Cup in a row, Gennaro Gattuso left the post of coach of the Italian national team. The Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport reported that Pirlo's appointment may be hindered by his cooperation with a Russian bookmaker. A number of politicians called this behavior unworthy of a representative of the national team. The expert himself expressed indignation over this discussion and urged not to attach political importance to his ties with Russia. Pirlo later announced that he was no longer being considered for the post of coach of the Italian national team.

Personal life

From 2001 to 2014, Andrea Pirlo was married to Deborah Roversi. In this union, he had two children: in 2003, a son, Niccolo, and in 2006— a daughter, Angela. Pirlo has been in a relationship with Valentina Baldini since 2014. In 2017, the couple had twin sons Leonardo and Tommaso.