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Jacobelli supports the choice of Pirlo in Italy, but sees Baldini as
Teams 3 August 2026

Jacobelli supports the choice of Pirlo in Italy, but sees Baldini as

Italian columnist Xavier Jacobelli praises the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as national coach with reservations and states that in his opinion Silvio Baldini would have been a better fit for the desired revolution.

Jacobelli supports Italy's choice of Pirlo, but sees Baldini as

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Andrea Pirlo, a legendary midfielder, has made his mark in football, both as a player and as a novice coach. His recent success with United Dubai, where he led the club to the top division, has cemented his status as a coach. The choice of Pirlo, despite the criticism, could be an opportunity for Italy to chart a new course under his leadership.

Why this matters

The appointment of Andrea Pirlo as Italy coach marks an important step for the national team, which is recovering from disappointments in recent tournaments. Xavier Jacobelli's comments on the mixed reactions to this choice highlight the challenges Pirlo will face, especially given the expectations of the Italian fans and the FIGC. The discussion about Silvio Baldini as an alternative emphasizes the need for innovation and talent development within Italian football.

Key points

  • Jacobelli supports the choice of Pirlo for Italy, but sees Baldini as.
  • Italian columnist Xavier Jacobelli praises the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as national coach with reservations and states that in his opinion Silvio Baldini would have been a better fit for the desired revolution.
  • Jacobelli: "Sostegno a Pirlo ma Baldini sarebbe stato il selezionatore ideal".

Xavier Jacobelli has analyzed the arrival of Andrea Pirlo as Italy's new national coach in an opinion piece. According to the experienced columnist, the path to choosing Pirlo was anything but straightforward, with a failed rapprochement with Pep Guardiola as a striking intermezzo. The national association would ultimately have ended up with Pirlo, who, according to Jacobelli, has yet to formally separate from United Dubai, the club he recently led to the top division in the United Arab Emirates.

In his piece, Jacobelli explains Pirlo's track record as a trainer. The former midfielder won two trophies with Juventus as a starting head coach and gained experience in Turkey. He also points to the promotion to Serie A that Pirlo achieved with Sampdoria. Yet, Jacobelli writes, the choice of the new national coach has not been received with complete approval. He states that the decision, attributed to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, provoked mixed reactions: from skeptical and disappointed to downright surprised.

The alternative route that Jacobelli outlines is interesting. With emphasis and respect for 'Il Maestro' Pirlo, he calls Silvio Baldini the 'ideal' choice to bring about a real turnaround. He portrays Baldini as an outspoken talent developer, someone who gave many young players their debut, including in international matches against Luxembourg and Greece. According to Jacobelli, it was precisely this focus on innovation - and Baldini's modesty about his own CV - that could have represented a much-needed break with old thinking.

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Nevertheless, Jacobelli draws a clear final conclusion: as soon as Pirlo is officially finishedis in position, the new national coach deserves full support, just like the course set by Maldini and Leonardo. Whether that direction is the right one remains to be seen, but the national team is and remains a matter of national importance.

From a tournament perspective, the timing of the choice for Italy is relevant with a view to the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri want to build a recognizable style of play, a rejuvenated selection and stable results towards the qualification phase under their new national coach. Pirlo's challenge will be to quickly translate his ideas to the international stage, where the margin for error is small. The balance between experience and the flow of talent will be crucial.

For the European competition - and therefore also for the Dutch team, which is clearly focusing on 2026 - it is interesting to follow how Italy positions itself under Pirlo. Whether Jacobelli's preference for Baldini ultimately made sense remains speculative. The fact is that Pirlo now has the opportunity to prove his vision at the highest country level, with broad, 'strong and clear' support in his own country as a starting point.

What's happening now

With Pirlo at the helm, it is expected that he will implement his vision of the game, using his experiences from Serie A and Turkey. The coming months will be crucial for Pirlo to shape his team and win the support of the supporters. Meanwhile, the discussion about Baldini and his potential as national coach is likely to continue, especially if Italy does not achieve the desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recent choice for Andrea Pirlo as Italy coach?

Andrea Pirlo has been chosen as Italy's new national coach, but his appointment was not without controversy.

Who has confirmed the choice of Pirlo as national coach?

The choice of Pirlo is attributed to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.

Why was Pirlo chosen now?

The choice of Pirlo came after a failed attempt to appoint Pep Guardiola, and the national association ultimately chose Pirlo.

What are the reactions to Pirlo's appointment?

The decision to appoint Pirlo has generated mixed reactions, ranging from skeptical and disappointed to surprised.

Which alternative choice was mentioned for the role of national coach?

Silvio Baldini was named by Xavier Jacobelli as the 'ideal' choice for the role of national coach, due to his focus on talent development.

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