Andrea Pirlo is no longer in contention to become Italy’s next national team manager after mounting political and public scrutiny over his commercial partnership with Russian betting operator Fonbet brought the appointment process to a halt.
The former Italy midfielder had emerged as the preferred candidate to lead the Azzurri following Pep Guardiola’s decision to reject the role. His candidacy was strongly backed by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Technical Director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, who had identified Pirlo as the coach to lead a new era for the national team.
However, newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malagò reportedly suspended the appointment after requesting legal clarification over Pirlo’s ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet, one of Russia’s largest sportsbook operators. The federation sought assurances that the sponsorship would not create legal or reputational issues at a time when Italy continues to support international sanctions against Russia.
Pirlo has served as a global ambassador for Fonbet since October 2025. Reports indicate the relationship developed through businessman Sergey Lomakin, a major shareholder in Fonbet and investor in Dubai United FC, the club Pirlo has managed since last year. According to Italian media, Pirlo told federation officials the agreement was a personal commercial partnership unrelated to his coaching duties, and prosecutors reviewing the contract concluded it was separate from his employment with Dubai United.
Despite those findings, Malagò reportedly cancelled a planned meeting that was expected to finalise the appointment, effectively ending Pirlo’s chances of taking charge of the national team. On Monday, Pirlo confirmed publicly that he was no longer being considered for the position, describing the outcome as deeply disappointing while insisting his partnership with Fonbet was purely commercial and carried no political significance.
The controversy has also triggered unrest within the federation. Multiple reports indicate that Maldini and Leonardo were prepared to resign after Pirlo’s candidacy collapsed, arguing that outside pressure had undermined their authority over football decisions.
The episode marks an early test for Malagò’s leadership of the FIGC. Since taking office in June, he has promoted reforms including a proposed 1% betting rights levy on football wagers to help finance grassroots football, stadium improvements and wider development projects. Against that backdrop, federation officials are believed to have been eager to avoid any issue that could complicate football’s relationship with the gambling sector or generate further political controversy.
With Pirlo now out of the race, Italy must restart its search for a new head coach as the federation looks to rebuild confidence and prepare the national team for its long-term objective of returning to the FIFA World Cup after years of disappointment.