Andrea Pirlo’s run to become the next manager of the Italy national team has officially come to an end. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) informed Pirlo on Sunday evening that negotiations have been halted and he will not be appointed to succeed Gennaro Gattuso.
Pirlo had previously reached a near-final agreement with Technical Director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo. His representatives had already initiated the contract termination process with UAE club United FC, prior to the cancellation of scheduled meetings in Rome that were set to seal the deal.
The roadblock stems from Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for the Russian sports betting company Fonbet. The partnership sparked strong political and institutional backlash within Italy, driven by the firm’s links to Russian businessmen and current geopolitical sensitivities.
Addressing the controversy on Instagram, the 2006 World Cup winner defended his position, clarifying that his commercial agreement began during his tenure in the UAE and was a “purely commercial and sporting partnership” with no political undertones. He also firmly rejected any political stances attributed to him.
“I learned last night that I am no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national team,” Pirlo wrote, sharing his disappointment over the public debate surrounding his name. He expressed his gratitude to Maldini and Leonardo for their trust and support, adding: “Love for Italy doesn’t depend on a role; it is part of my history and identity, and it will always remain with me.”
The decision has triggered internal strife within the FIGC. President Giovanni Malagò reportedly blocked the hiring under heavy political pressure, despite Maldini and Leonardo’s firm stance that Pirlo was the ideal fit for their long-term vision—especially after Pep Guardiola turned down the role due to family reasons.
Reports indicate that both Maldini and Leonardo are now considering their resignations if a replacement is forced upon them against their strategic plan. While Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have re-emerged as potential candidates, the selection of the next Azzurri head coach hinges on whether the duo remains at the helm.
