Juventus have unveiled Andrea Pirlo as their new manager on a two-year deal – just hours after sacking Maurizio Sarri on Saturday afternoon.
Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli chose midfield icon Pirlo as Sarri’s successor and the final details on his contract were agreed to on Saturday afternoon.
Pirlo was appointed as Juventus U23 boss at the end of last month but has been promoted to the senior team hot seat just nine days later.
The Italian giants confirmed the appointment with a statement on their official website, which read: “Andrea Pirlo is the new Juventus coach.
“41-years-old and born in Flero in the province of Brescia, Pirlo has had a legendary career as a player that has led him to win everything, from the Champions League to the World Cup in 2006.
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
“In his four years at the centre of the Juventus midfield, Pirlo won as many league titles, a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups.
“Today, begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.
“From today he will be THE coach for people of Juventus, as the club has decided to entrust him with the technical leadership of the First Team, after having already selected him for Juventus Under 23.
“Today’s choice is based on the belief that Pirlo has what it takes to lead from his debut on the bench, an expert and talented squad to pursue new successes.
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
“Andrea Pirlo today signed a two-year contract until 30 June 2022.”
Juventus confirmed ex-Chelsea boss Sarri’s exit on Saturday afternoon following their Champions League last 16 defeat to Lyon, despite the Italian guiding them to the Serie A title in his first season.
The Italian received widespread criticism in Italy for only winning the league by a single point over Inter Milan and failing to offer attacking football.
Juventus said in a statement: “Juventus Football Club announces that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the First Team.
“The club would like to thank the coach for having written a new page in Juventus’ history with the victory of a ninth consecutive championship, the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football.”
It is believed Pirlo fended off competition from former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and Lazio head coach Simone Inzaghi to land the Juventus job.
Reports in Italy add Agnelli hopes Pirlo can follow in the footsteps of Zidane, who was also a midfielder with notorious creativity and vision and has since gone on to enjoy a hugely successful managerial career with Los Blancos.
