Latest news with #Pirlo

Ammon
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ammon
Pirlo appointed manager of UAE second-tier club
Ammon News - Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed manager of Dubai-based United FC, the United Arab Emirates' second-tier club announced on Friday. Local media reported the 46-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the club. Founded in September 2022, United FC are also known as Dubai United. The club earned promotion from the third-tier in the 2022–23 season. "Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and valuable coaching experience from spells at Juventus and Sampdoria," the club said in a statement. "His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for United FC and reflects the club's growing ambition in the UAE football landscape." Pirlo guided Italian Serie B side Sampdoria to a seventh-place finish during the 2023-2024 season. He was sacked in August last year after a poor start to the season. Pirlo retired from playing in 2017 after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup, won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, and lifted four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus from 2012-2015. Reuters

Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Pirlo appointed manager of UAE second-tier club
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed manager of Dubai-based United FC, the United Arab Emirates' second-tier club announced on Friday. Local media reported the 46-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the club. Founded in September 2022, United FC are also known as Dubai United. The club earned promotion from the third-tier in the 2022–23 season. "Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and valuable coaching experience from spells at Juventus and Sampdoria," the club said in a statement. "His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for United FC and reflects the club's growing ambition in the UAE football landscape." Pirlo guided Italian Serie B side Sampdoria to a seventh-place finish during the 2023-2024 season. He was sacked in August last year after a poor start to the season. Pirlo retired from playing in 2017 after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup, won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, and lifted four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus from 2012-2015. REUTERS


Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Andrea Pirlo, the Italian world cup legend appointed head coach of Dubai's United FC?
Pirlo's first match in charge of United FC is scheduled for September 20, when they face Al Dhaid in Dubai/ Image: X Italy's legendary midfielder and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has officially embarked on a fresh chapter in his managerial career as the newly appointed head coach of Dubai-based United FC. The club, only founded in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks of UAE football and now looks to Pirlo's vast experience to push them toward greater heights in the country's competitive first division. A Landmark Signing for a Young Club United FC, also known as Dubai United, is a rapidly emerging Emirati professional football club. Founded just under three years ago in September 2022, the club immediately set ambitious goals for itself. Under the leadership of President Ilie Cebanu, the club has focused on laying a strong foundation both on and off the pitch. Playing home matches at Dubai's ISD Stadium Pitch, United FC has paired its investment in infrastructure with impressive on-field results. In their inaugural 2022-23 season, United FC earned promotion from the UAE Second Division by finishing second, boasting the best offensive and defensive records in the league. Their dramatic end to that campaign included crucial victories over Fleetwood United FC and Al-Hilal United FC, securing their spot in the UAE First Division for the 2025-26 season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo With such rapid progress, the appointment of Andrea Pirlo signals United FC's desire to establish themselves as a formidable force in the UAE. Club President Ilie Cebanu expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family. He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level.' The club's official statement added: "United Football Club is delighted to officially announce the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the first team. A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 and one of the most iconic midfielders of his generation, Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and valuable coaching experience gained at Juventus and Sampdoria. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter in United's history and reflects the club's growing ambitions on the football pitch in the UAE. " Andrea Pirlo: From Midfield Maestro to Managerial Mind Andrea Pirlo, now 46, is widely regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in football history. Known for his sublime vision, impeccable technique, and exceptional free-kick ability, Pirlo's playing career is decorated with top honors. He played 116 matches for Italy, becoming a key figure in their 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph, where he earned the Bronze Ball and was named in the Team of the Tournament. Beyond that, he starred in multiple European Championships and World Cups, earning recognition among the world's elite midfielders. At club level, Pirlo's journey took him from his hometown Brescia to Inter Milan, then to AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Later, at Juventus, he collected four consecutive Serie A titles and domestic cups before finishing his playing career with a stint in MLS at New York City FC. He retired in 2017 after a remarkable 22-year professional career. Pirlo transitioned to coaching in 2020. His managerial timeline includes: Juventus (2020-2021): Taking over from Maurizio Sarri, Pirlo won the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia in his first year. Despite this, he was dismissed after one season due to a fourth-place Serie A finish and a round-of-16 exit in the Champions League. Fatih Karagümrük (2022-2023): Pirlo signed a one-year contract with the Istanbul-based Turkish Süper Lig club. Under his guidance, the team finished 9th. The club decided not to renew his contract before the season's end. Sampdoria (2023-2024): Appointed in June 2023 to lead the recently relegated Serie B club back to Serie A, Pirlo faced a challenging campaign. Sampdoria finished seventh and were eliminated in the promotion playoffs. A poor start to the following season led to his dismissal in August 2024. Despite these mixed managerial results, Pirlo remains a respected football thinker, known for his unique style and vision on the pitch. What Lies Ahead for Pirlo and United FC? Pirlo's appointment is more than a routine coaching hire; it is a statement by United FC about their ambitions in the UAE's football scene. For Pirlo, this role offers a significant opportunity to rebuild and redefine his coaching philosophy in a new environment. Having been out of management since August 2024, when he left Sampdoria, Pirlo arrives in Dubai refreshed and eager. The club confirmed that he has already arrived and will start training the team soon in preparation for the upcoming season. His first official match in charge is scheduled for September 20 against Al Dhaid.


The Hindu
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Andrea Pirlo appointed boss of Emirati second-tier club United FC
Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as United FC coach, the Emirati second-tier club announced on Friday. The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club, also known as Dubai United, who play in the UAE First Division League, one tier below the country's Pro League. Pirlo, 46, a key player in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and most recently Sampdoria since retiring from playing in 2017. 'We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family,' club president Ilie Cebanu said. 'He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level,' he added.


Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ex-Italy Skipper Pirlo Appointed Boss Of Emirati Second-tier Club - World
Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as United FC coach, the Emirati second-tier club United FC announced on Friday. The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club, also known as Dubai United, who play in the UAE First Division League, one tier below the country's Pro League. Pirlo, 46, a key player in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and most recently Sampdoria since retiring from playing in 2017. "We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family," United FC president Ilie Cebanu said. "He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level," he added. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: