Andrea Pirlo no longer candidate for Italy coaching role

By Brian Otieno — 27 July 2026 — 3 min read

Pirlo’s Candidacy and Controversy

Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he is no longer being considered for the national team’s head coach position. The decision follows a debate surrounding his commercial agreement with a Russian betting firm, Fonbet, which generated significant discussion among politicians and within the Italian football community.

Pirlo, who had been coaching Dubai United in the United Arab Emirates, stated on Instagram that he learned he was no longer a candidate for the Italy national team job. He expressed bitterness over the public debate, clarifying that his deal with Fonbet was linked to his role in the United Arab Emirates and was solely for commercial and sports purposes. He added that attributing political significance to the collaboration did not reflect his beliefs.

Throughout his career as both a player and a coach, Pirlo maintained that he has always adhered to the laws of the countries where he worked and the contracts he signed. Despite his stance, the controversy led to his removal from consideration for the coaching role.

Political and Federation Reactions

The potential appointment of Andrea Pirlo had sparked considerable friction among Italian politicians. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, criticised the prospect, suggesting it went against the need for a cultural, ethical, and managerial revolution in Italian football after the national team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Ignazio La Russa, the head of the Senate, also voiced doubts about Pirlo‘s suitability for the coaching position, acknowledging his past as a great player but questioning his coaching experience. Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, was more direct, stating that individuals who have promoted Russia after 2022 should not hold national office.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had reportedly considered Pirlo after failing to secure coaches like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who departed in April after Italy missed a third consecutive World Cup qualification. While Pirlo had the backing of Paolo Maldini, the technical director, and his advisor Leonardo, reports indicate that newly-installed federation chief Giovanni Malago was against the appointment from the outset.

Search for a New Coach

The FIGC is now actively seeking a new head coach for the national team. Among the names being discussed are former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Conte, who has achieved success with multiple clubs, including winning the Serie A title with three different teams and the Premier League with Chelsea, is back in consideration for the role of coaching the Euro 2020 champions.

Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation, is facing a critical period as he navigates the search for a new coach and addresses the fallout from the Pirlo situation. He is expected to meet with Maldini and Leonardo to assess the future of their project to revive Italian football. Malago has indicated that a new head coach will be appointed shortly, possibly by tomorrow.

The federation president is also reportedly preparing contingency plans, including considering Giorgio Chiellini as an alternative technical director, should there be a split with Maldini and Leonardo. The focus remains on finding a solution that ensures continuity for the technical project initiated less than three weeks ago.

Source: theguardian.com