The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly dropped Andrea Pirlo from consideration for the Italy national team head coach role following criticism over his commercial partnership with a Russian betting company.
Pirlo had emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of the Azzurri this summer, but the federation ultimately decided against making a formal offer after concerns were raised about his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian sports betting company.
🚨📲 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Andrea Pirlo on Instagram, reacting to the Italian Federation deciding not to appoint him as coach due to his collaboration with a Russian brand.
"Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and all the people involved, I have so far chosen to remain silent,… pic.twitter.com/5ymdbdYxaF
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 27, 2026
The former Italy midfielder signed the sponsorship deal in October 2025 while managing United FC in the UAE, a club owned by Sergey Lomakin, who also has financial interests in Fonbet.
Reports suggest the FIGC viewed the commercial links as inappropriate given Italy's strict gambling advertising regulations.
The report also noted that Pirlo has previously promoted cryptocurrency exchange CoinW, adding to concerns surrounding his commercial endorsements.
With Pirlo no longer in contention, the FIGC is expected to continue its search for a new national team manager ahead of the next international fixtures.
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