Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has ruled himself out of the national team head coaching race after a wave of criticism over his association with Russian betting company Fonbet. The FIGC had suggested Pirlo’s appointment was “almost certain”, but an outcry from politicians and the European Parliament forced a reevaluation.
The controversy traces back to October 2022 when Pirlo became the global ambassador for Fonbet. The firm, which has a strong pro‑Kremlin stance, has sponsored sporting events featuring veterans of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Pirlo’s attendance at these events, along with his appearances with pro‑Kremlin figures, has prompted calls from the Azione party and the European Parliament that he “should not hold a national office”.
In a relief, Pirlo denied any political motives in his commercial and sporting work with United FC in Dubai. He stated that any collaboration carried no political meaning and that his public statements never reflected such beliefs.
Despite the backlash, Italian football still faces a troubled future. The FIGC's newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini, who only took the role on 11 July, might resign if the hiring process stalls. Italy’s squad must prepare for a challenging Nations League group and aims to qualify for Euro 2028.
Other names considered for the role include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini—both of whom have experience with Italy’s national team. Earlier this month, high‑profile figures such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were approached but declined. The resignation of Gennaro Gattuso and the duo's failed qualifications have heightened the need for a fresh direction.
This development has deepened Italy’s soul‑searching following its failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, where a loss to Bosnia‑Herzegovina on penalties sparked the FIGC’s recent reshuffle.
