In brief
Andrea Pirlo announced that he is no longer pursuing the Italian national team coaching position amid a storm of criticism over his endorsement of Russian betting company Fonbet. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had considered him a leading candidate until political backlash and media scrutiny led to his withdrawal. Pirlo’s ties to Fonbet—highlighted by his attendance at events sponsored by the company featuring pro‑Kremlin figures—proved politically damaging amid Italy’s recent failure to qualify for the World Cup. The controversy has prompted calls for a deeper “cultural and ethical” overhaul of Italian football.
Pirlo withdraws from Italy head coach race
Andrea Pirlo says he is no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national side after a flare of controversy over his links to Russian betting firm Fonbet.
His potential appointment had not yet been confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) but was treated as almost certain until the weekend when MPs denounced FIGC’s choice. The 47‑year‑old ex‑Inter, Juventus, AC Milan, and Azzurri midfielder took on a global ambassadorship for Fonbet last October.
The betting company sponsors a number of sporting events involving veterans of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Pirlo appeared at Fonbet‑hosted events in Russia alongside pro‑Kremlin figures, sparking a political backlash. "Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office," said Carlo Calenda of the Azione party.
In an Instagram post made on Monday morning, Pirlo clarified his position: "I was only engaged in a commercial‑sporting capacity with the UAE club United FC. To assign a political meaning to that is a mischaracterisation." He also denied any pro‑Russian stance.
Pina Picierno, a vice‑president of the European Parliament, criticised the choice, describing it as "heading in the exact opposite direction" of a much needed ethical revolution in Italian football.
The Russian ambassador to Italy, Aleksey Paramonov, sent a note praising Pirlo’s contributions to world sport and Italy’s global image while lamenting his ostracism at home.
The issue gained steam last spring when Pirlo joined a Fonbet event at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium with former teammate Marco Materazzi. The event, featuring pro‑Kremlin pop star Shaman, was staged on the same day as a major Russian attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified for a helmet design referencing Ukrainian victims, criticised Pirlo for appearing with Russian footballer Artem Dzyuba, who is proud to be Russian.
The fallout threatens to affect Paolo Maldini, the FIGC’s technical director appointed on 11 July, who may resign amid the controversy surrounding Pirlo’s failed appointment. Maldini and former AC Milan teammate Leonardo have tasked themselves with finding a new head coach for the upcoming Nations League fixtures and Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.
Other names on the short‑list include Antonio Conte and former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 victory but later coached Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were unsuccessfully approached for the role.
