Ex-Italy skipper Pirlo appointed boss of 2nd-tier Emirati club

Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as United FC coach, the Emirati second-tier club United FC announced on Friday.

The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club, also known as Dubai United, who play in the UAE First Division League, one tier below the country's Pro League.

Pirlo, 46, a key player in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and most recently Sampdoria since retiring from playing in 2017.

"We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family," United FC president Ilie Cebanu said.

"He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level," he added.