Pirlo Out as Italy Coach Candidate Over Russian Betting Ties

Andrea Pirlo will not become the next head coach of Italy's national team. The 2006 World Cup winner confirmed on Monday, July 27, that he is no longer a candidate for the Azzurri bench — his path derailed not by questions over his coaching credentials, but by a commercial partnership with a Russian betting company.

From Frontrunner to Ruled Out

Pirlo had rapidly emerged as the leading candidate to take over the national team following Italy's latest crisis. Newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini reportedly identified the 47-year-old as his preferred choice after Pep Guardiola declined the job on July 24. A World Cup winner with strong credentials, Pirlo's appointment was widely expected to be finalized within days — until it collapsed.

"I learned last night that I am no longer a candidate for the bench of the Italian National Team," Pirlo wrote on social media, a day before the Italian Football Federation had been due to confirm him.

The Real Reason: The Fonbet Controversy

The obstacle was off the pitch. In October 2025, Pirlo became a global ambassador for Fonbet, one of Russia's largest bookmakers, and in May 2026 he travelled to Moscow to take part in a company event. Given the current international climate around Russia, that relationship raised serious concerns within the FIGC, which wanted to avoid any controversy that could damage the image of the new-look national team project. Italy also has strict laws regarding the advertising of gambling, adding a legal dimension to the political resistance.

In his statement, Pirlo defended himself, saying he had always operated in full respect of the laws of the countries he worked in and the contracts he signed. He added that his love for Italy is part of his identity "regardless of any position or role I hold."

Fallout Within the Federation

Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo had been strong backers of Pirlo, and reports suggest both could step back or resign from their positions following the decision not to appoint him. The episode is an early setback for Maldini, who took up his role only this month and is tasked with finding the coach to lead the four-time world champions' bid to qualify for the 2030 World Cup — after Italy failed to reach the last three global tournaments.

Who's Next

With Pirlo out and Guardiola having already declined, Italy are now expected to turn back to experienced names, with Roberto Mancini — who led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory — and Antonio Conte reported as the leading alternatives. Italy's next competitive fixture is a Nations League match against Belgium on September 25, in a group that also includes Turkey and France.