Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national football team following intense political backlash over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company. The decision leaves the Italian Football Federation scrambling for its fourth manager in four years after high-profile rejections.
The collapse of Pirlo’s near-certain appointment unfolded after Italian politicians criticized his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting firm. The company has sponsored sporting events involving veterans of Moscow’s war in Ukraine and organized gatherings in Russia where Pirlo appeared alongside pro-Kremlin figures.
Political Backlash and Pirlo’s Defense
Criticism of the 47-year-old former midfielder centered on his commercial ties and public appearances in Moscow. Lawmakers argued that anyone promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold a prominent national office.
Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, added that Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution
and argued that selecting Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction.
Pirlo confirmed he was out of contention in an Instagram post, explaining that he learned he was no longer a candidate and expressing bitterness over the debate surrounding his name. He insisted that his professional collaboration
with the betting firm through his coaching job at United FC in Dubai was strictly commercial and sporting.
In contrast to the domestic criticism, Pirlo received backing from the Russian ambassador in Rome, Aleksey Paramonov, who called it saddening that Pirlo was being ostracized in his own country despite his contributions to sport.
Turmoil Within the Italian Football Federation
Maldini and special adviser Leonardo had settled on Pirlo after being turned down by other high-profile managers.
The national team has been searching for stability following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso left by mutual consent in April after a qualifying playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina that sealed Italy’s failure to qualify for a third World Cup. Before turning to Pirlo, Maldini and Leonardo unsuccessfully approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
The Search for a Successor Amid Mounting Pressure
With Pirlo out of contention, Italian football leadership faces a shrinking pool of candidates as the team prepares for a Nations League group containing France, Belgium, and Turkey, followed by attempts to qualify for Euro 2028.
Italian media reports indicate that former national team managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are back under consideration. Mancini led Italy to victory at Euro 2020 before resigning to manage Saudi Arabia, a post he left in 2024 before a stint at Al-Sadd in Qatar. Conte recently coached Napoli.
The ultimate decision rests with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who assumed office in June after leading the Milan Cortina Olympics organizing committee. Whoever ultimately secures the bench will become Italy’s fourth coach in as many years.
