Coach Pirlo creates a sensation in UAE.

In the early hours of October 25th, Dubai United caused a major upset in the UAE President's Cup by defeating Sharjah FC on penalties in the round of 16.

Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo is opening a new chapter in his coaching career.

Andrea Pirlo is writing a fairytale in the UAE as he leads Dubai United – the country's second-division team. With an impressive run in the 2025 President's Cup, Pirlo guided the "dark horse" Dubai United past many stronger opponents to reach the round of 16. They face a tough challenge from Sharjah FC – the ten-time champions of this prestigious tournament.

However, Pirlo and his players held the powerful team to a 1-1 draw in regular time. In the penalty shootout, Dubai United defeated the UAE football giant 5-4 to advance to the quarter-finals. This was one of the biggest shocks in UAE football this season.

Having only joined Dubai United in July 2025 on a two-year contract, Pirlo quickly transformed the young team, founded in 2022, into a phenomenon in UAE football. From a club that finished fourth in the Second Division last season, United FC, under the Italian "maestro," went undefeated in the President's Cup.

This result not only propelled the team into the quarter-finals but also extended Pirlo's winning streak to five consecutive matches since taking office – an incredible start for the 46-year-old coach who previously managed Juventus and Sampdoria.

"Pirlo brings a unique football vision and invaluable experience," a United FC representative stated when announcing the appointment. And indeed, he delivered on that promise.

Before managing United FC, Pirlo had previously coached Juventus, Fatih Karagumruk, and Sampdoria, but without much success. In August 2024, Pirlo was sacked by Sampdoria after just one year in charge due to poor results.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-pirlo-tao-dia-chan-o-uae-post1596691.html