Italian World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he has held talks with members of the Italian FA and other clubs as he considers stepping into a coaching career. The 38-year-old hang up his boots during the back end of 2017, and he is expected to be given a formal send-off at a San Siro testimonial next month.

Pirlo has been working as a pundit since his departure from New York City FC last year, but he has now admitted that he could step into coaching, he told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’ve had discussions with many people, both for the national team and for clubs, but there will be time to make considerations.”

Meanwhile, Pirlo had some fond words to say about former AC Milan and Italian teammate Gennaro Gattuso, who was recently rewarded with a fresh three-year deal with the Rossoneri, he added: “I didn’t expect him to do so well. He’s done well in Serie B and Serie C and he’s changed the Milan team in a short space of time. Now they are playing nice football and, with his spirit, he’s brought passion back to the fans. Compliments to him and the club. It was a risky decision but they did well to put their faith in him. Rino earned his contract.”

Meanwhile ending his interview, Pirlo had fond words to say about his former coach Max Allegri, who is currently in the ranks of Juventus. Allegri has not been able to guide the Old Lady to Champions League success in recent years, but the 38-year-old has backed the Italian to achieve more glory as the Bianconeri progress further under his tutelage.

Juventus have faced competition from Napoli for most of the league campaign, but there now appears a clear distance between them. Maurizio Sarri’s side have dropped off with their performances over the past one month or so, and this sees the Old Lady in pole position to secure a seventh straight title with a six-point advantage.