Andrea Pirlo
Juventus have appointed Andrea Pirlo as coach just hours after sacking Maurizio Sarri following the club’s Champions League elimination against Lyon, the club announced on Saturday.
Pirlo, 41, was a legendary player for the club—as well as AC Milan and Italy—over his storied career, winning numerous league titles, the Champions League and a World Cup in 2006. He was appointed manager of Juventus’ Under-23 side just last month but has now signed a two-year contract to coach the first team.
“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,” Juve said in a statement.
“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,” it added.
“The decision for Pirlo was very natural, in the Juventus style, because he is someone who played for us, has always been in contact with everyone here and it felt natural,” the club’s chief football officer Fabio Paratici said.