Pirlo names Juventus’ U23 coach

Andrea Pirlo has been named head coach of Juventus’ U23 side.

He replaces Fabio Pecchia, who led the club’s second string to the Coppa Italia Serie C as well as the play-off quarter-finals for promotion to Serie B.

The club made the announcement via an official statement on its official website on Thursday.

“Today marks the start of a new adventure for Andrea Pirlo and Juventus, who return to work together five years later,” read the statement.

“Andrea is, in fact, the new coach of the Under 23 team.

“And so, from Maestro… to Coach! In the summer of 2015, Pirlo said goodbye to Juventus after four seasons, where he boasted an incredible record with the Bianconeri: four Scudetti, one Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups.

“It was a storyline that was dotted with many gems: decisive goals, assists painted on canvas, and a vision of play like no other.

“And, of course, there is his experience with the Italian national team in 2006, which saw him crowned a world champion, and it is one he will make available to the Under 23 players, a young project, in continuous growth and which this year, in its second year of operation, has led to a first and historic result, the Coppa Italia Serie C.

“A new challenge awaits now, for a return that can only make Juventus fans happy.
“Welcome back, Coach Pirlo!”

Juventus’ Under-23 side will be Pirlo’s first job in management, with the former midfielder having retired from the playing side of the game back in 2017 following a three-year spell with MLS side New York City FC.