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Andrea Pirlo will not become the next head coach of the Italian national team after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) reportedly withdrew from appointing the former World Cup-winning midfielder over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company.
The 47-year-old had been widely expected to succeed as Italy’s national team coach after reports indicated that negotiations had reached an advanced stage. However, the proposed appointment was halted following concerns surrounding Pirlo’s ongoing ambassadorial role with Russian bookmaker Fonbet.
According to reports, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò decided against finalising the deal after reviewing the implications of Pirlo’s association with the betting company. The decision followed legal consultations within the federation and effectively ended what had been regarded as a near-complete agreement.
Pirlo had reportedly been identified as Italy’s preferred candidate after Pep Guardiola turned down the opportunity to lead the Azzurri. Technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo were said to have backed the former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder, with a four-year contract running until the 2030 FIFA World Cup reportedly prepared. His coaching staff had also been assembled, while arrangements were already underway to facilitate his departure from United FC Dubai.
The controversy centres on Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, Russia’s largest betting company, a position he accepted in October 2025. His appointment is understood to be linked to his coaching role at United FC Dubai, whose owner, Sergey Lomakin, has significant interests in the bookmaker. Pirlo and former Italy defender Marco Materazzi also attended a Fonbet promotional event at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in May.
Although Pirlo’s representatives reportedly argued that the agreement was purely commercial and unrelated to politics, the federation is said to have concluded that his continued association with a Russian betting brand could generate unnecessary controversy. The issue became particularly sensitive against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Italy and Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Pirlo informed the federation he was prepared to terminate the sponsorship agreement without financial penalty if required. Nevertheless, Malagò reportedly decided that withdrawing from the appointment was the most appropriate course of action to protect the federation from further public and political scrutiny.
Pirlo also defended his position publicly, insisting he had acted within the law and stressing that his partnership with Fonbet carried no political significance. However, the explanation failed to alter the federation’s position.
Italy must now resume its search for a permanent manager as it seeks to rebuild following recent disappointments on the international stage. Among the names already linked with the vacancy are Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli and Raffaele Palladino.
The development underscores the growing influence of commercial partnerships and geopolitical considerations in modern football, with Pirlo’s long-anticipated return to the national team dugout ultimately derailed by an off-field sponsorship agreement rather than footballing considerations.
