Andrea Pirlo is no longer in the running to take over as the head coach of the Italian national team following the controversy surrounding his links to a Russian betting company.
Pirlo was the man earmarked by technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo to take over from Gennaro Gattuso after a third-straight failed campaign at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
But the former midfielder has been at the centre of a debate following his connections to the betting platform. Giovanni Malago, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, is said to have vetoed Pirlo’s name from the top post.
Following reports, Pirlo took to social media to put out a statement regarding the whole fiasco.
“Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and everyone involved, I have so far chosen to remain silent, but after learning last night that I am no longer a candidate for the Italian national team bench, I consider it my duty to clarify some aspects.
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“The professional collaboration at the centre of the recent controversy stems from my work experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature,” Pirlo said, who is currently the head coach of UAE Pro League club Dubai United.
“I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I know their competence, their seriousness, and the love they have always devoted to Italian football.
“I regret that a sporting decision was quickly dragged into a public confrontation that ended up attributing meanings and intentions to me that do not belong to me,” he added.
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Published on Jul 27, 2026