Overview
- Andrea Pirlo confirmed late Monday that he is no longer a candidate to become Italy’s head coach after being informed the federation would not proceed with his appointment.
- Reports say FIGC president Giovanni Malagò paused and effectively blocked the deal as politicians and officials raised objections to Pirlo’s links with a Russian betting firm.
- The controversy centres on Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for Fonbet and a May appearance in Moscow, plus reported business ties between Fonbet and the owner of Pirlo’s Dubai club, United FC.
- Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo, who backed Pirlo, are reported to be furious and may resign, a move that would unsettle the Maldini‑led technical rebuild and its tight timetable.
- The federation must restart the coach search while legal and contract issues persist — FIGC will not negotiate with a manager still under another club contract — and names such as Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are being discussed.