Overview
- The FIGC confirmed on Tuesday that Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate for Italy coach after scrutiny of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet raised political and legal concerns.
- FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said he refused to approve Pirlo’s appointment because the Fonbet link created unacceptable optics and regulatory complications under Italy’s gambling rules.
- Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo resigned from their federation posts after Malagò’s intervention, ending a short‑lived technical leadership that had sought a long‑term rebuild.
- To restore immediate stability the FIGC announced Roberto Mancini will return as head coach and Claudio Ranieri will take a technical role to oversee the transition.
- The episode exposes a governance clash in the federation, highlights how Russian commercial ties remain politically sensitive in Europe since 2022, and leaves the longer‑term project to modernize Italy’s youth and scouting structures in flux.