Andrea Pirlo will not become Italy’s next head coach after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), decided against appointing him over his commercial ties to Russian bookmaker Fonbet.
FIGC president, Giovanni Malagò made the decision after reviewing Pirlo’s role as a global ambassador for the betting company, despite the former midfielder being on the verge of taking charge of the Azzurri.
Pirlo had emerged as the preferred candidate after Pep Guardiola declined the role. He was expected to sign a four-year contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with an official announcement planned around the FIGC Federal Council meeting on July 28.
The 47-year-old became a Fonbet ambassador in October 2025 through his association with United FC Dubai, whose owner, Sergey Lomakin, has significant interests in the Russian betting company. He also attended a Fonbet promotional event in Moscow alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi in May.
Although Pirlo’s representatives insisted the agreement was purely commercial and could be terminated without penalty, the federation opted to halt the appointment amid concerns over the Russian connection.
Italy will now continue its search for a permanent head coach, with Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli and Raffaele Palladino among the leading alternatives.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
