Luca Antonini Takes Academy Director Role at Dubai United FC

Luca Antonini has left his role as manager of Al Nassr’s U17 team to become Academy Director at Dubai United FC. He will work closely alongside new head coach Andrea Pirlo in a new chapter for the club’s youth development.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Antonini, a former AC Milan fullback with a rich playing and coaching background, recently led the Al Nassr U17 team, where he helped develop emerging talent in Saudi Arabia’s competitive youth league.

Now, Antonini has accepted the role of Academy Director at Dubai United FC, an ambitious club in the UAE. This move comes as Dubai United appoints Andrea Pirlo, another Italian football legend, as head coach. The arrival of these seasoned professionals is seen as a signal of Dubai United’s desire to become a major force in UAE football.

BIG CHANGES AT DUBAI UNITED

Dubai United FC is aiming for growth after a season where they struggled in the UAE First Division, finishing near the lower half of the table and missing out on promotion to the UAE Pro League. The club has invested in new staff to overhaul its approach both on and off the pitch. Antonini will focus on improving the academy’s structure and finding the best local talent, while Pirlo is expected to reshape the club’s senior team to push for a top finish next season.

LOOKING AHEAD

The partnership between Antonini and Pirlo brings top-level experience to Dubai United. Their immediate goal will be to revamp the youth system and set higher standards for player development. Dubai United’s next competitive match will be at the start of the new UAE First Division season, where they face Al Hamriyah, a team that finished three spots above them last year. With the gap between the two sides only five points last season, Dubai United will hope these high-profile appointments can help bridge that distance and push for promotion.