Coach Pirlo creates earthquake in UAE

In the early morning of October 25, Dubai United created an earthquake in the UAE President's Cup when they defeated Sharjah FC on penalties in the round of 16.

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

Andrea Pirlo is writing a fairy tale in the UAE when leading Dubai United – the country’s Second Division team. With an impressive series of matches in the 2025 President’s Cup, Pirlo led the “dark horse” Dubai United to overcome many stronger opponents to advance deep into the round of 16. They face a fierce challenge from Sharjah FC – the 10-time champion of this prestigious tournament.

However, Pirlo and his students held the powerful team to a 1-1 draw in the official match time. On penalties, Dubai United defeated the giant of UAE football with a score of 5-4 to advance to the quarter-finals. This is one of the biggest shocks of UAE football this season.

Having only joined Dubai United in July 2025 with a two-year contract, Pirlo quickly turned the young team founded in 2022 into a phenomenon of UAE football. From a club ranked fourth in the Second Division last season, United FC under the Italian "conductor" is undefeated in the President's Cup.

The result not only took the team into the quarter-finals but also extended Pirlo's record to five wins since taking charge – an incredible start for the 46-year-old coach who previously led Juventus and Sampdoria.

"Pirlo brings a unique footballing vision and valuable experience," United FC said when announcing his appointment. And he has delivered.

Before leading United FC, Pirlo had been associated with Juventus, Fatih Karagumruk and Sampdoria as a coach but without success. In August 2024, Pirlo was fired by Sampdoria after only one year in charge due to poor results.

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