What’s going on with Andrea Pirlo? How Russian betting ties have caused chaos in Italy’s search for new coach
Italy has fumbled their first attempt in moving towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle as they search for new leadership at the top of their football federation.
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After missing out on qualification to the 2026 World Cup, their third-straight absence from the global tournament, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) cleaned house, firing manager Gennaro Gattuso and president Gabriele Gravina. Giovanni Malago was hired as the new president, creating a technical director position which legendary defender Paolo Maldini was tabbed to fill and leading a search for a new head coach.
Unfortunately, things have gone belly-up just 16 days into Maldini’s tenure, as a power struggle has seen the embarrassing conclusion to their first attempt at naming a new coach.
The Sporting News explains why their efforts to hire Andrea Pirlo to lead the Italian national team have collapsed in tatters, and where the federation goes from here.
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Will Andrea Pirlo be the next Italy coach?
Despite agreeing to a deal to be the next head coach of the Italian national team, Andrea Pirlo will not be the man to lead the squad into the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Just two days before he was slated to be unveiled, Pirlo’s deal collapsed as new FIGC president Giovanni Malago went over the head of his newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and blocked the hire.
Reports on the evening of Sunday, July 26 claimed that Malago was spooked by Pirlo’s links to a Russian betting site, as rumors swirled about political disagreements between the various parties.
Early on Monday, July 27, Pirlo released an official statement on his social media accounts that confirmed he will not be appointed as Italy head coach.
Andrea Pirlo’s Russian betting ties, explained
According to multiple reports, Andrea Pirlo’s falling out with the FIGC was tied to his position as global ambassador for Russia’s largest betting company Fonbet, which he has held since last October.
Pirlo, who is currently the manager of United FC in the UAE top flight, attended an event with fellow Italy legend Marco Materazzi in Moscow back in May at Luzhniki Stadium called «Football Day.» He was photographed at the event alongside Russian international Artem Dzyuba. At the same event, pro-Russian musical artist Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov) performed songs which have become rallying cries for the Russian military during the war in Ukraine.
This has caused significant backlash in Italy for two concurrent reasons. First, there are strict regulations around the advertisement and promotion of cash-prize gambling and betting in Italy, with tight restrictions placed on how celebrities and athletes can serve as a spokesperson for such companies.
Second, there has been public and political outcry around Pirlo’s willingness to receive money and promote a Russian company at an event which promoted the nation’s current football climate. Currently, Russia is banned from all UEFA and FIFA activities, which they have been ever since their 2022 military invasion of Ukraine.
Fonbet has previously held sponsorship ties to Pirlo’s former club AC Milan, before the club suspended their agreement in 2023 shortly after the initial invasion.
Pirlo’s agreement to promote a Russian company and attend an event in Russia alongside Russian athletes has been received in Italy as akin to his political alliance — or at least agreement — with Russian state activities.
There has been significant public outcry politically around Pirlo’s potential appointment. One individual to speak out was Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European parliament, who wrote on social media, «After yet another defeat and another missed World Cup qualification, Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution. The choice of Andrea Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction.»
What has Andrea Pirlo said?
Following the reports that Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as Italy head coach had been blocked, the former Italy midfielder spoke out about the saga on his social media, posting a lengthy official statement in which he shared his frustration with the developments, denied political connections to his ambassador role, and maintained his love for his country.
«Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has unfolded regarding my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team,» Pirlo wrote on Instagram. «Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and all those involved, I chose to remain silent until now. However, I feel it is necessary to clarify a few points.
«Throughout my career — first as a player and now as a coach — I have always conducted my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and the contracts I have signed. The professional collaboration at the heart of the recent controversy arose during my time working in the United Arab Emirates and is strictly commercial and sporting in nature. Attributing political significance to this collaboration implies that I hold views I have never expressed and do not share.
«I would like to thank [Paolo] Maldini and [special advisor] Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I am well aware of their expertise, their professionalism, and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football. It is regrettable that a decision based on sporting grounds was quickly dragged into a public dispute that ended up attributing meanings and intentions to me that do not reflect who I am.
«My love for Italy does not depend on a specific role. It is part of my history and my identity, and it will remain with me always.»
How Andrea Pirlo drama has caused chaos for Italy, Paolo Maldini
In the aftermath of their decision to block the hire of Andrea Pirlo, there is now chaos at the top of the FIGC once again.
According to multiple reports, including Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Maldini is threatening to resign just weeks into his technical director role, angry that he has already seen his authority undermined by the president who hired him explicitly for this purpose.
His potential exit could leave Italy right back where they started, not only without a head coach but now a newly-created technical director position vacant as well. They had already endured the rejection of both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola before offering Pirlo the head coaching role.
This would not be Maldini’s first time leaving an executive position on poor terms. Maldini raged after departing AC Milan in 2023, fired by owner Gerry Cardinale following five years as technical director, claiming his boss showed «no real respect for Milan’s identity and history.»
It’s not clear what the future of the technical director role will be if Maldini does quit. The head coaching role has now been linked to either Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte, but no reports of an approach have been published just yet.
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