Andrea Pirlo confirmed as new boss of Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk as Italy legend takes first job since Juventus axe
ANDREA PIRLO has been announced as the new manager of Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk SK.
The Italian, 43, had been out of work for a year after being sacked by Juventus in the summer of 2021.
Pirlo spent 12 months in the Juventus dugout but was dismissed after failing to defend the Serie A title – though he did win the Coppa Italia.
But he has now signing a one-year deal with Fatih Karagumruk.
Announcing his new job, Pirlo tweeted: “Happy to start a new adventure. Thank you Karagumruk SK.”
The 2006 World Cup winner also attracted interest from Serie A side Spezia but he has decided to broaden his horizons.
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Pirlo’s new side came eighth in the Turkish top flight last season but have ambitions to challenge Istanbul’s big boys at the top of the table.
The Super Lig often springs a surprise with Trabzonspor winning their first league title for 38 years last season.
İstanbul Basaksehir also won their first championship in 2020 and Pirlo will be hopeful of doing the same with Karagumruk SK.
The former midfielder will be able to call on Italian talent too with former Liverpool star Fabio Borini and ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano in the squad.
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Pirlo previously stated that he wishes to emulate the styles of Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte – but he may need a big budget to do so.
Pirlo said: “For me it is important to start again after a year’s stop.
“I had many talks with other teams, both in Italy and abroad, but hearing the ambitions of this team convinced me to come here, also because they’re the same ambitions as mine.”