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Zidane and Pirlo appointments have arrived within days of each other, two decades after they shared the pitch in one of the most infamous World Cup finals ever played.
In 2006, Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in the final match of his career. Andrea Pirlo, then a rising star in Italy’s midfield, helped guide the Azzurri to victory on penalties that same night.
Now, twenty years on, both men are stepping into international management for the very first time. On opposite sides once again.
Zidane’s Return to the France Set-Up
Zidane is widely expected to be officially confirmed as France’s new head coach this coming Tuesday.
He succeeds Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge. Deschamps’ reign ended following France’s semifinal exit to Spain and a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff at World Cup 2026.
It will be Zidane’s first ever national team job. He has previously only managed at club level, most notably guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
He has not taken a coaching role since leaving the Bernabeu in 2021, and has long spoken of the France job as a personal dream. Reports suggest he could begin work as early as September.
Pirlo’s Verbal Agreement With Italy
Andrea Pirlo has accepted a verbal proposal to become Italy’s new head coach, after the board approached Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, who both rejected the offer to coach Italy.
The appointment is described as effectively agreed, pending formal signing in the coming days. Pirlo said yes to a long-term project presented by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.
He is expected to sign shortly, waiting only on the formal administrative steps.
Like Zidane, this would be Pirlo’s first national team role. It comes at a pivotal moment for Italy after they missed out on World Cup 2026 qualification entirely.
Zidane and Pirlo will now lead their countries into a new era, each carrying the weight of a difficult recent cycle.
Zidane and Pirlo: A Shared History, A New Chapter
Both men were on the pitch for one of football’s most unforgettable nights, the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin.
Zidane’s headbutt overshadowed what was ultimately a title-winning performance for Italy. Twenty years later, neither man has coached a national team before.
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Both are stepping into the role at a moment of transition for their respective countries. Both carry the weight of restoring pride after difficult recent cycles for France and Italy alike.
What Comes Next
France’s players will find out officially on Tuesday whether Zidane is their new leader. Given the strength of the reports, few expect any surprises.
Italy’s situation is moving a little more slowly. Pirlo still has to put pen to paper, but insiders describe the deal as close to a formality at this point.
Two legends of the 2006 final. Two nations rebuilding after painful exits. Zidane and Pirlo national team eras begin now, on separate paths, but forever linked by the night neither will ever fully leave behind.
Zidane and Pirlo’s paths diverge from here, but they remain forever linked by the night neither will ever fully leave behind.
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Is Zidane the new France national team coach?
Zidane is widely expected to be officially confirmed as France’s new head coach this coming Tuesday, succeeding Didier Deschamps after France’s exit from World Cup 2026.
Has Andrea Pirlo agreed to coach Italy?
Yes. According to Fabrizio Romano, Pirlo has accepted a verbal proposal to become Italy’s new head coach, with the appointment described as effectively agreed pending formal signing.
Have Zidane and Pirlo coached a national team before?
No. Both the France and Italy jobs would be the first ever national team roles for Zidane and Pirlo, who have previously only managed at club level.
What is the connection between Zidane and Pirlo?
Zidane and Pirlo were both on the pitch for the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, the match where Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in the final game of his career, with Pirlo helping Italy win the title on penalties.
When will Zidane officially become France’s head coach?
Zidane’s appointment as France head coach is expected to be officially confirmed this coming Tuesday, with reports suggesting he could begin work as early as September.