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Football

08th Aug 2020

Juventus set to hire Andrea Pirlo to replace Maurizio Sarri

Wayne Farry

The Juve legend has been managing their under-23s for a week

Andrea Pirlo is set to be named as the new Juventus manager, replacing Maurizio Sarri who was sacked on Saturday following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Lyon.

Pirlo, a club legend who won four Serie A titles over a four-season spell at the club, was only appointed manager of their under-23 team last week, but has reportedly been chosen as Sarri’s replacement.

According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Pirlo was chosen by president Andrea Agnelli ahead of the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Simone Inzaghi and former coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Pirlo completed his UEFA Pro Licence last summer, and one July 30 was named manager of the club’s under-23 team, which competes in Serie C.

If the appointment goes ahead, it will represent something of a risk for Juventus, off the back of Sarri’s appointment, which from the off raised eyebrows.

Many questioned whether Sarri, who at the time had only won a Europa League during his managerial career, would be able to get the team playing his style of football while also making the most out of Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the end, it was Sarri’s failure to do so, compounded by his failure to progress in the Champions League which saw him relieved of his duties.