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Champions LeagueJuly 28, 2026

Andrea Pirlo comes for the Italian coaching position

Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the position of coach of the Italian national team. The reason is political concerns about a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting provider.

Andrea Pirlo comes for the Italian coaching position

Andrea Pirlo comes for the Italian coaching position

According to Foxsports.

Background

Andrea Pirlo, a former world-class player and legend of the Italian national team, has not yet been able to prove himself as a coach. His previous experiences at Juventus and Sampdoria have not been successful, which has increased concerns about his suitability for the Azzurri's coaching job. Pirlo was prepared to leave his current job at Dubai United to take on the challenge, but political circumstances have now thwarted his ambitions.

Why this is important

The decision not to consider Andrea Pirlo for the Italian national team coaching position highlights the political tensions currently weighing on Italian football. The sponsorship deal with a Russian betting operator has sparked concerns that are undermining confidence in the federation's leadership. This situation reflects the challenges facing the Italian national team, especially after missing qualification for the last three World Cups.

Key findings

  • Andrea Pirlo comes for the Italian coaching position.
  • Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the position of coach of the Italian national team.
  • Andrea Pirlo Out of Contention For Italy Job Over Russian Betting Deal | FOX Sports.
Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the position of coach of the Italian national team. The reason is political concerns about a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting provider. Maldini, the federation's technical director, and his advisor Leonardo submitted their resignations to federation president Giovanni Malagò just 16 days after Malagò appointed them to their positions, as reported by Sky Sport Italia. This came after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti had already rejected offers to coach the national team, which failed to qualify in three consecutive World Cups. The crisis surrounding the once proud Italian team is widening four months after the four-time world champions lost in the play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pirlo himself confirmed that he is no longer in the running for the Azzurri coaching position. In an Instagram post on Monday, he wrote: "I found out last night that I am no longer a candidate for the position of coach of the Italian national team." Several Italian politicians had expressed concerns about Pirlo's contract as brand ambassador for Fonbet, as they believe the national team coach should not have conflicting interests. Pirlo, who would have been prepared to leave his current coaching position at Dubai United, was a controversial choice for the national team's post after unsuccessful spells at Juventus and Sampdoria - although he was one of the standout players when Italy won the 2006 World Cup. Image Pirlo explained that the deal with Fonbet was linked to his job in the United Arab Emirates and was for “exclusively commercial and sporting purposes”. “Adding a political meaning to a collaboration means ascribing to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that are not my own,” Pirlo said. "My love for Italy does not depend on a job. It is part of my history, my identity and will remain that way forever." Pirlo was only the third choice for the national team coaching position after Ancelotti and Guardiola. While the former two rejected offers from Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, Pirlo was preferred by his former AC Milan teammate Maldini over other candidates such as former national team coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Mancini had led the Italian national team to the 2021 European Championship title but was unable to lead the Azzurri to the 2022 World Cup. He then moved to the Saudi Arabian national team. Conte led the Italian national team to the quarter-finals of the 2016 European Championship and most recently worked at Napoli. Now both Mancini and Conte are being considered for the national team coaching position again. A decision on the national team's new coach is expected to be made soon as the national team plays again in September.

What happens next

With Pirlo out of the running for the coaching job, the focus now turns to other potential candidates as the Italian football community looks for stability. The resignations of Maldini and Leonardo could lead to further changes in the association to usher in much-needed renewal. Given the current crisis, it is crucial that the Italian national team quickly finds a new coach to regain the trust of fans and improve sporting performance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the reason why Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the position of coach of the Italian national team?

The reason is political concerns about a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting provider.

Who confirmed that Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate for the coaching position?

Andrea Pirlo himself confirmed this in an Instagram post.

Why is the position of coach of the Italian national team now being discussed?

The discussion comes after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti have already rejected offers for the coaching position and the Italian national team ability failed to qualify in three consecutive World Championships.

What changes have there been in the association that are related to Pirlo's situation?

Maldini, the association's technical director, and his advisor Leonardo have submitted their resignations to the association's president Giovanni Malagò.

What was Pirlo's previous coaching position that he would have been willing to give up?

Pirlo was ready to leave his current coaching position at Dubai United.

Related articles

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is the reason why Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the position of coach of the Italian national team?
The reason is political concerns about a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting provider.
Who confirmed that Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate for the coaching position?
Andrea Pirlo himself confirmed this in an Instagram post.
Why is the position of coach of the Italian national team now being discussed?
The discussion comes after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti have already rejected offers for the coaching position and the Italian national team failed to qualify in three consecutive World Cups.
What changes have there been in the association that are related to Pirlo's situation?
Maldini, the association's technical director, and his advisor Leonardo have submitted their resignations to the association's president, Giovanni Malagò.
What was Pirlo's previous coaching position that he would have been willing to give up?
Pirlo was ready to leave his current coaching position at Dubai United.
What happened in this story?
Andrea Pirlo comes for coaching position of the Italian summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
Andrea Pirlo: Complete Guide & Latest Updates 2026 | MannschaftGoal