Andrea Pirlo has announced that he is no longer being considered for the Italy coaching position, with his endorsement agreement with a Russian gambling company reportedly contributing to the decision.
A number of Italian politicians had questioned Pirlo’s position as a Fonbet ambassador, arguing that the national team manager should not have interests that could clash with Italy’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In an Instagram post on Monday, Pirlo said he had learned the previous evening that he was no longer a candidate to lead the Italian national side. The former Azzurri midfielder had earlier explained that his Fonbet partnership was connected to his work in the United Arab Emirates and existed solely for sporting and commercial reasons. He rejected attempts to give the arrangement a political meaning, saying such interpretations assigned opinions to him that he had neither voiced nor held.
Pirlo also said he had followed the recent discussion about his name and the prospect of becoming Italy’s head coach with deep disappointment. He stressed that, throughout his playing and managerial career, he had always worked in accordance with local laws and honoured every agreement he had signed.
Although Pirlo was supported by Paolo Maldini, the recently appointed technical director of the Italian football federation, the issue caused considerable political tension. European Parliament vice-president Pina Picierno argued on social media that Italian football needed major cultural, ethical and administrative reform after another defeat and a further failure to reach the World Cup. In her view, selecting Pirlo would have represented a move in the opposite direction.
Senate president Ignazio La Russa, who belongs to prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, also questioned the proposed appointment. In comments to the Ansa news agency on Saturday, he described Pirlo as an outstanding former player but said choosing him as a manager would be a major gamble. Azione leader Carlo Calenda offered an even firmer response, stating that anyone who had promoted Russia since 2022 should not occupy a national position.
The FIGC approached Pirlo, who was willing to leave his role with Dubai United, after failing to secure either Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti, its preferred candidates. The federation has been searching for Gennaro Gattuso’s replacement since he departed by mutual agreement in April, following Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are now once again being considered for the position.
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