Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he will not become Italy’s next head coach, expressing bitterness after controversy over his commercial partnership ended his candidacy.
Andrea Pirlo has officially ruled himself out of the race to become Italy’s next head coach, ending days of speculation by confirming that he is no longer under consideration for the role and admitting he feels great bitterness over how events unfolded.
The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Italy’s outgoing manager after it became clear that neither Pep Guardiola nor Carlo Ancelotti would take charge of the Azzurri.
Pirlo’s candidacy was reportedly backed by newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo.
However, his prospects quickly faded after reports revealed that Pirlo serves as a global brand ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet. The partnership attracted widespread attention because of Italy’s strict regulations surrounding gambling advertising, making his appointment increasingly difficult despite the commercial nature of the agreement.
After initially issuing a statement thanking Maldini and Leonardo, Pirlo has now published an updated message on his Instagram story confirming that he is no longer in the running for the national team position.
“Out of respect for the institutions, the federation and everybody involved, I have chosen to remain silent until now,” Pirlo wrote. “However, after learning last night that I am no longer a candidate for the Italy national team head coach position, I feel it is necessary to clarify a few points.”
🚨🇮🇹 Official: Andrea Pirlo appointment as new Italian national team head coach has been called off.
Federation president Malagò decides not to proceed with signatures due to Pirlo’s collab with a Russian betting brand. ❌ pic.twitter.com/0kym57dEz7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Pirlo Defends Commercial Partnership Amid Italy Controversy
Pirlo insisted that throughout his playing and coaching career he has always respected the laws of every country in which he has worked. He explained that the partnership at the center of the controversy was established during his coaching spell in the United Arab Emirates and was purely a commercial and sporting arrangement.
“The professional collaboration that is the subject of recent controversy came about as part of my working experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature,” Pirlo said. “Attributing political meaning to this collaboration means attributing convictions to me that I have never expressed and that I do not hold.”
The 47-year-old also expressed gratitude to Maldini and Leonardo for their confidence in him, praising both men for their dedication to Italian football. At the same time, he lamented that what began as a sporting decision quickly became a public controversy that overshadowed his qualifications.
“I wish to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the respect and faith they showed in me,” Pirlo added. “However, it is regrettable that a decision based on sporting grounds was quickly dragged into a public debate that ended up attributing motives and intentions to my name that never existed. My love for Italy does not change, and it never will.”
