Italy set to name World Cup legend, 47, as new manager after being snubbed by Pep Guardiola

ANDREA PIRLO has reportedly agreed to become Italy’s new boss – after Pep Guardiola’s brutal snub. The Spaniard, 55, had been pinpointed as the four-time World Cup winners’ top target to replace Gennaro Gattuso. Andrea Pirlo is set to become Italy’s new boss Credit: Reuters Pep Guardiola snubbed the job Credit: Getty But Guardiola rejected Italy’s advances after holding out for a contract which would have seen him pocket an eye-watering £17MILLION-a-year. And the European giants have quickly handed Pirlo the chance to bag the job. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Fabrizio Romano reports the former Juventus chief, 47, has accepted Italy’s verbal offer of a four-year deal. Pirlo’s appointment is expected to be announced by the Azzurri in the coming days. The legendary midfielder will leave his job with UAE Pro League side Dubai United to take his dream role. Pirlo was part of Italy’s World Cup-winning side in 2006 and notched 116 caps during his trophy-laden career. The Azzurri had set their sights on landing Guardiola after he quit Manchester City at the end of last season. Brazil supremo Carlo Ancelotti was also sounded out as Italy looked to make a statement. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Pirlo has been offered a four-year deal Credit: Getty But both advances fell flat after failing to qualify for a THIRD World Cup on the spin. Italy suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a nail-biting play-off tie. And Gattuso resigned in the aftermath of being denied a spot in this summer’s World Cup. The Italian Federation put Under-21s boss Silvio Baldini in temporary charge as they went in search of a long-term successor. And Pirlo is now on course to be in the dugout ahead of the next international break. His first game in charge is set to be against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25. Comment now