Andrea Pirlo Resigns from Candidate for Italian National Team Coach
July 28, 2026 ·
Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from the candidacy for coach of the Italian national team following sharp criticism regarding his links to Russian betting company Fonbet.
Andrea Pirlo Resigns as Italian National Team Coach Candidate
Why this is important
Andrea Pirlo's decision to withdraw from the candidacy for coach of the Italian national team reflects the huge impact of the controversy involving his links to Fonbet, the Russian betting company. Criticism from Italian politicians shows the high level of political sensitivity regarding relations with Russia, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. This also highlights the challenges the Italian Football Federation faces in choosing a coach who can be widely accepted by the public.
Background
Andrea Pirlo, known as one of Italy's best midfielders, was previously expected to bring new experience and vision to the Italian national team. However, his involvement with Fonbet has raised doubts among fans and politicians, who consider the relationship to be incompatible with the values held by Italian football.
Main Points
- Andrea Pirlo Resigns from Candidate for Italian National Team Coach.
- Andrea Pirlo withdrew from the candidacy for coach of the Italian national team following sharp criticism regarding his links to the Russian betting company, Fonbet.
- Pirlo out of Italy football top job after backlash over Russian betting firm links - BBC News.
Carlo Calenda, a member of the centrist Azione party, stated, "Anyone who promotes Russia after 2022 should not hold national office." Following the statement, Pirlo took to his Instagram account on Monday morning, explaining his position, "After learning that I was no longer a candidate for the Italian National Team, I felt the need to explain a few things. In the last few days, I watched with bitterness the debate surrounding my name."
Pirlo emphasized that any "professional collaboration" he undertakes in his capacity as coach at United FC in Dubai is purely commercial and sporting in nature. "To give political meaning to this cooperation is to accuse me of having beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not correspond to me," Pirlo wrote.
Pina Picierno, vice president of the European Parliament, believes that Italian football is "in dire need of a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution," but the choice of Pirlo goes against those expectations. On the other hand, Pirlo received support from the Russian ambassador in Rome, Aleksey Paramonov, who stated that it was very sad to see Pirlo, despite having made an extraordinary contribution to the world of sport and the image of Italy throughout the world, is now exiled in his own country.
The controversy regarding Pirlo's relationship with Fonbet and Russia intensified last spring, when he participated in a Fonbet event held in Moscow, where he and his former teammate, Marco Materazzi, signed autographs at the Luzhniki Stadium. At the event, pro-Kremlin pop star Shaman, who is known for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, also performed.
Criticism of Pirlo grew sharper after an incident in which Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified from the Winter Olympics because his helmet depicted athletes killed in the war, noted that the event in Luzhniki took place on the same day as a major Russian incursion into Ukraine. Heraskevych also criticized Pirlo for appearing next to Russian footballer Artem Dzyuba, who after the war in Ukraine expressed his pride in being Russian.
"It's very sad to see a childhood legend turn into a man devoid of morals," Heraskevych said.
This debate now has the potential to spread to the new FIGC technical director, Paolo Maldini, who has only been in office since July 11 and is reported to be likely to resign due to the failure of Pirlo's appointment. Maldini and his adviser, former AC Milan teammate Leonardo, are tasked with finding a new coach to guide Italy through a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn, as well as try to qualify for Euro 2028.
The Italian football community is experiencing a lot of reflection after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. Italy's defeat in a penalty shootout against Bosnia-Herzegovina last April resulted in the resignation of coach Gennaro Gattuso as well as a shake-up in the FIGC ranks. Some time ago, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were also considered for the coaching position before Pirlo. According to Italian media, other names currently being considered are Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to the Euro 2020 title before failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and stepping down as coach to coach Saudi Arabia.
What happened next
With Pirlo out of the running, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) must now look for a new candidate for the coaching position. Other names may come up in talks, and the FIGC is expected to consider political and public factors in the selection process. Meanwhile, Pirlo will continue his career at United FC in Dubai, where he focuses on the commercial and sporting aspects of his role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Andrea Pirlo?
Andrea Pirlo announced that he is no longer a candidate to serve as coach of the Italian national team following controversy over his links to Russian betting company Fonbet.
Who confirmed Pirlo's resignation?
Andrea Pirlo's resignation as a candidate to coach the Italian National Team was announced by himself via his Instagram account.
Why did Pirlo withdraw from being a coaching candidate?
Pirlo resigned after receiving criticism from a number of Italian politicians regarding his association with Fonbet, which was deemed inappropriate for a national team coach.
What changes have occurred after Pirlo's resignation?
After Pirlo's resignation, the position of Italian national team coach has not yet been officially confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
What did Pirlo say about the collaboration with Fonbet?
Pirlo explained that any 'professional collaboration' he has with Fonbet is commercial and sporting in nature, and rejected accusations that he has any particular political beliefs.