Andrea Pirlo will not become the next Italy head coach after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) blocked his appointment over his ties to a Russian betting company, triggering a crisis that has left technical director Paolo Maldini poised to resign just two weeks into the role.
The former World Cup winner confirmed he will not take charge of the Azzurri following scrutiny of his position as global brand ambassador for Fonbet, a Moscow-based bookmaker whose ownership falls under Italian sanctions. His commercial relationship breaches Article 9 of Italy’s Dignity Decree, which prohibits advertising and sponsorship of gambling with cash winnings. Pirlo visited the Russian capital as recently as May 2026 for a promotional event.
Legal and Political Pressure
Consumer protection agency Codacons had threatened immediate legal action to prevent Pirlo’s installation, vowing to appeal to the Lazio TAR administrative tribunal if the federation proceeded. The group also submitted a formal request to Italy’s Communications Authority to investigate alleged violations of gambling advertising regulations, warning that Pirlo could face fines equivalent to 20 per cent of his sponsorship value.
Italy legend Gianni Rivera publicly condemned the candidacy. “He cannot be the right person to lead the Nazionale, and I’m shocked anyone thought he could be,” Rivera told Repubblica. “When it comes to his rapport with Russia, we must be very severe. At times like this, a similar relationship would expose the entire Italian football movement to a reputational risk.”
Federation Exodus
The decision has plunged the FIGC into turmoil. Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, who were appointed to lead Club Italia on July 11, had strongly championed Pirlo after learning that first choices Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola had rejected the role. However, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò reportedly blocked the appointment due to the political and legal controversy surrounding Fonbet.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Maldini and Leonardo have decided to resign in protest, with an announcement expected imminently. Malagò is scheduled to hold emergency talks with the pair on Monday in an attempt to persuade them to remain. He intends to emphasise that presidential authority differs from club management structures, though convincing them to stay is expected to prove difficult.
Should Maldini proceed with his resignation, Malagò would be forced to restart the search for a technical director while the national team remains without a permanent head coach.
Broader Concerns
Pirlo is not the only member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad with Russian commercial ties; former teammates Francesco Totti and Marco Materazzi have also participated in Fonbet sponsorship events. However, Pirlo was the only candidate for the national team position.
The developments raise serious questions about the direction of Italian football, with three of the country’s most iconic figures potentially exiting the national set-up within days of each other.