Andrea Pirlo pulls out of Italy coaching bid after backlash over Russian betting links

Andrea Pirlo has said he is no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national side following days of controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company.

His appointment as Italy’s next head coach had not yet been confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) but was widely viewed as the next logical choice. Over the weekend, several Italian politicians criticised the FIGC’s choice, pointing to Pirlo’s role as global ambassador for Russia’s Fonbet since October last year.

The betting firm has sponsored events featuring veterans of Moscow’s war in Ukraine and organised appearances by Pirlo alongside pro‑Kremlin figures. "Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office," said Carlo Calenda of the centrist Azione party.

Following the controversy, Pirlo posted on Instagram to clarify that his role with the UAE’s United FC was commercial and sporting, not political. He stressed that assigning a political meaning to his collaboration would misrepresent his views.

European Parliament vice‑president Pina Picierno criticised the choice as undermining the cultural and ethical standards the country needs. Meanwhile, the Russian ambassador to Rome offered sympathy for Pirlo’s ostracisation despite his global contributions to football.

Revealed last spring, Pirlo’s participation in a Fonbet Cairo event saw him sign autographs with former teammate Marco Materazzi at Luzhniki Stadium, alongside pro‑Kremlin pop star Shaman. The event coincided with a large Russian attack on Ukraine, drawing criticism from athletes such as Vladyslav Heraskevych, who condemned the Pharaoh’s side for moral bankruptcy.

The fallout now risks affecting the FIGC’s new technical director Paolo Maldini, who, since his appointment on 11 July, may choose to resign if the situation escalates. Maldini’s duty includes finding a new head coach before Italy faces a Nations League group featuring France, Belgium and Turkey, and ultimately aiming to qualify for Euro 2028.

Italy’s coaching search follows the failure to reach the third World Cup, that left coach Gennaro Gattuso stepping down after a penalty defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in April. Earlier this month, big names such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were approached unsuccessfully.

Current potential candidates also include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini — the latter who led Italy to Euro 2020 and later coached Saudi Arabia after stepping down from Italy.