Andrea Pirlo 'agrees to become new boss at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk'

Andrea Pirlo has returned to football management after a year away, having reportedly agreed to become the new boss at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.

According to Sky Sport, the former Juventus and Italy midfielder has penned a 12-month deal with the club, bringing an end to his brief hiatus away from the dugout.

It is understood that Spezia held an interest in him, and the move would have kept him in Serie A following his sacking at the Old Lady.

However, Pirlo remained free to talk to other parties, and he has now taken up the reins with Karagumruk, who finished eighth last season in the Super Lig.

They now plan to fight it out with the likes of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray next year, and the 43-year-old will look to use his vast experience to help them improve.

There is something of an Italian tradition at the club, too. Goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, defender Davide Biraschi and Caner Erkin have all played in Serie A.

Lucas Biglia, formerly of AC Milan, and Abdoulaye Toure, who will return from his loan at Genoa, will also be available to Pirlo, as will Fabio Borini and Yann Karamoah.

Pirlo has been selected because he is viewed as winner. In his first and only year as a coach at Juventus, he steered the fallen giants to two trophies.

At the end of the campaign, he had led them to fourth spot in Serie A, guaranteeing them Champions League football, having picked up a points tally of 78.

They secured their qualification, however, on the last day of the season.

In Europe, Pirlo and his players were left humiliated after they crashed out in the last-16 at the hands of Porto, who netted the crucial aggregate winner in the second leg.

Reports in Italy had suggested Karagumruk were the favourites to hire Pirlo.

The silky former professional turned down the chance to take over at strugglers Salernitana back in February, but has always been open to taking an overseas job.