Italy legends, Alessandro Del Piero and Gennaro Gattuso, have reacted to Andrea Pirlo's appointment as Juventus manager.
We reported on Saturday that Juventus appointed Andrea Pirlo as their new manager, just hours after sacking Maurizio Sarri.
Pirlo was only named Juventus' U-23 head coach last month.
But the 41-year-old former midfield maestro has now been asked to take over the club's senior team, even before taking charge of a fixture.
Reacting to the development, Del Piero, who played with Pirlo during their time at Juventus, said he never expected him to move into management, while Gattuso, who played with Pirlo during their time at Italy national team, said he is "screwed".
"To be honest, I wouldn't have bet on him becoming the coach. It is a surprise for me too," Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.
"I was already pleased for him taking the Under-23 role and thought that was the right move for him, but he has skipped ahead, so I can only wish him luck.
"I think the general perception of former players who become coaches is changing in Italy.
Before, there was this need to go through a long process in the lower leagues to learn the trade, but in recent years we have seen Filippo and Simone Inzaghi succeed, plus Gennaro Gattuso.
They were great players and started straight away with great teams."
On his part, Gattuso said after Napoli's defeat to Barcelona: "Well he's screwed now! That's the job.
"He is lucky to be starting at Juventus, but this profession is one where a great playing career isn't enough. You have to study, to work hard, and you do not get much sleep."
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