Andrea Pirlo has lost his Italy coaching job over the Russian betting controversy

Andrea Pirlo’s hopes of becoming Italy’s next national team coach ended abruptly after political opposition over his business links to a Russian betting company forced him out of the running.

The World Cup-winning midfielder confirmed on Monday that he was no longer considered for the role, ending weeks of speculation about his potential return to Italian football. Pirlo emerged as a frontrunner to replace Gennaro Gattuso, but growing scrutiny over his sponsorship deal with Russian bookmaker Fonbet ultimately derailed his chances amid Italy’s continued support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

Pirlo revealed the decision via an Instagram post, saying he had been informed the previous night that his candidacy had been cancelled.

The controversy stemmed from his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a deal he signed while coaching Dubai United in the United Arab Emirates. His appearance alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi at a promotional event in Moscow earlier this year further fueled criticism, with several Italian politicians claiming such an association was incompatible with leading the national team.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has not commented publicly on the matter, but the matter has reportedly become a major point of discussion in football and political circles as the federation searches for a new head coach.

PIRLO DEFENDS RUSSIAN BETTING DEAL

Responding to criticism, Pirlo insisted the partnership was purely commercial and had no political implications. He also expressed disappointment that his scholarly work had become the focus of a wider public debate.

“The professional collaboration that is the subject of recent controversy arose as part of my work experience in the United Arab Emirates and is purely business and sporting in nature.”

Pirlo rejected suggestions that the sponsorship reflected any political stance.

“To attribute political significance to this collaboration is to attribute to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.”

He added that he regretted that what should have been a sporting decision was overshadowed by a political controversy.

THE SEARCH IN ITALY FOR COACHING CONTINUES

Pirlo was never considered the unanimous choice for the role. His managerial career has included brief spells at Juventus and Sampdoria, and he currently coaches Dubai United. Before his name appeared, Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, both reportedly turned down the chance to take charge of the four-time world champions.

The coaching search became even more significant after Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, leading to widespread changes within the federation. Gattuso left by mutual consent in April following Italy’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifying play-off, while newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malag and technical director Paolo Maldini were tasked with rebuilding the national set-up.

Pirlo’s resignation has re-opened the race for the job, with former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte once again among the leading names linked with the position as the federation looks to lead the Azzurri out of one of the most difficult periods in their history.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

27 Jul 2026 15:21 IST