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Andrea PirloGetty Images
Nizaar Kinsella

Revealed: Is Andrea Pirlo set to join Conte at Chelsea?

Chelsea
Premier League

The New York City FC midfielder has been linked with a job replacing an outgoing assistant coach at Stamford Bridge, but talks have yet to begin

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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

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Over 28 monthsSave 80%
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Antonio Conte is focusing on winning the Premier League title and will not approach Andrea Pirlo or any other coaches over a role at Chelsea until the end of the season. 

Pirlo was linked with a move to Chelsea by the club's former player and manager, Ray Wilkins, in an interview with TalkSport, but Goal has been told that the links are premature.

Chelsea are the Premier League's underdogs NOT Tottenham, insists Conte

However, Conte and Chelsea will begin talks after the season has ended over a variety of matters, including new signings, contract renewals for his current squad and whether he wants to renew his own contract. 

Conte is also thought to have made no demands about replacing the outgoing Steve Holland. He currently has his brother, Gianluca, and Angelo Alessio performing assistant first team coaching duties, alongside Holland. 

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CHE

Premier League

31 Oct 2026

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Holland is leaving Chelsea to work with Gareth Southgate at England after an eight-year spell coaching at Chelsea. The West London club announced in December that Holland "will not be replaced" and the situation remains the same.  

Andrea Pirlo Frank Lampard MLS 09162015USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Conte has repeatedly urged his players to focus on matters on the pitch and he is trying to set an example to his team as they remain top of the Premier League table. 

Conte and Pirlo are close personal friends from their time together at Juventus and have spent time together in London. They have met at Stamford Bridge, Cobham Training Ground and privately over dinner. Pirlo even got a seat in Roman Abramovich's executive box as he watched Chelsea win 1-0 versus West Brom in December. 

Sign big to keep Hazard, says Ballack

The World Cup winner has a contract at New York City FC, who are part of the City Football Group along with Manchester City, until the 31 December 2017. He will therefore be unavailable to join Chelsea until 2018 at the earliest. 

Chelsea have also left the door open over bringing in ex-players such as Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole as coaches in the future. John Terry is expected to continue playing football but he is already preparing for the end of his career by working through his coaching qualifications. 

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