Overview
- The two former Italy players attended the Tag des Fußballs around the Russian Cup final in Moscow, where they posed for selfies and signed autographs in Luzhniki Stadium.
- The event was organised by Russian betting firm Fonbet and outlets report Pirlo signed as the company's international ambassador last October.
- Footage shows Pirlo standing beside Artem Dzyuba and critics noted that Russia launched rocket and drone attacks on Kyiv the same night, a timing that fuelled condemnation.
- Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych and EU vice‑president Pina Picierno publicly denounced the appearance as morally unacceptable while Pirlo and Materazzi said they were there for sport and fans.
- Commentators point to a pattern of retired Western stars taking paid roles in Russia and warn the appearances carry reputational risk and raise questions about sportswashing and commercial incentives.