Andrea Pirlo’s bid to become Italy head coach has collapsed after FIGC President Giovanni Malagò blocked the appointment amid political pressure over the former midfielder’s ties to a Russian betting company.
Pirlo confirmed on Sunday evening that he was no longer in the running for the Azzurri post. The 46-year-old had emerged as the favoured candidate after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola both rejected approaches, but his role as a global brand ambassador for Fonbet triggered a backlash in Italy.
The country maintains strict laws governing gambling advertising, and reports suggest Malagò faced intense political pressure to rule Pirlo out despite the former Juventus coach insisting he had always acted within the law. Pirlo stated he performed his duties “within full respect of the laws of the countries I worked in, and the contracts that I signed.”
Maldini and Leonardo could depart
The decision has thrown the federation into turmoil. Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, who only assumed their roles a fortnight ago, are reportedly considering resignation after championing Pirlo’s candidacy.
The pair had initially targeted Ancelotti and Guardiola before turning to Pirlo, but the betting association has forced them to restart the search.
Former managers back in contention
Italy now face a hurried rethink with Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, Stefano Pioli and Raffaele Palladino forming the revised shortlist.
Conte and Mancini have both previously managed the national side. Sources indicate Mancini would be more willing to return and represents a less expensive option, though neither former boss is thought to relish being considered behind Pirlo in the original pecking order.
Pioli offers familiarity with Maldini after the pair won the Scudetto together at Milan, though the 59-year-old was dismissed by Fiorentina early last season. Palladino, 42, provides a younger alternative. The former Monza and Fiorentina coach left Atalanta by mutual consent this summer after guiding them from relegation danger to sixth place following his November 2025 appointment.
The federation must now weigh experience against fresh ideas as pressure mounts to appoint a successor before upcoming competitive fixtures.