Dubai United ‘fully support’ Pirlo after Italy disappointment

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 9:10 AM ET

Dubai United ‘fully support’ Andrea Pirlo and insist the Italian tactician is ‘fully committed’ to the Club after failing to get the Italy job.

The former midfielder was Paolo Maldini’s favourite candidate to become Italy’s new head coach after the ex-Azzurri technical director failed to secure agreements with either Carlo Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola.

Political protests over Pirlo’s role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company eventually led to the ex-midfielder not getting the job, while Maldini and Leonardo resigned, feeling that their decision-making autonomy was no longer present.

Official Dubai United statement on Pirlo

Pirlo’s Club Dubai United have now released an official statement on the Italian tactician’s future, confirming their full trust in him: “Over the past few days there has been significant speculation in the media regarding Andrea Pirlo’s future, including a number of reports that do not reflect the facts,” the Club said.

“Dubai United is delighted that a football legend such as Andrea is being our Head Coach since the last season. Club President Ilie Cebanu, the management, coaching staff and players fully support him. Andrea Pirlo is fully committed to Dubai United, and the Club is fully committed to Andrea Pirlo.

“We are now preparing for our historic first season in the ADNOC Pro League. This is an important new chapter for the Club, and our entire focus is on the team’s preparation and performance.

“We invite all our supporters and football fans across Dubai to join us at the stadium, support the team and become part of Dubai United’s journey in the Pro League.”

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MAY 18: Head coach of Juventus Andrea Pirlo speaks with the media during an Juventus press conference ahead of the TIMVISION Cup Final between Atalanta BC and Juventus on May 18, 2021 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for Lega Serie A)

Pirlo secured promotion to the ADNOC Pro League last season.

He previously coached Juventus and Sampdoria in Italy and Turkish side Karagümrük in the 2023-24 campaign.

Italy appointed Roberto Mancini as its new head coach. The 61-year-old will be unveiled at a press conference later today.