Italy legend Andrea Pirlo’s hopes of being named as the Azzurri’s new boss have been denied at the last minute following a political controversy over his potential hiring.
The former AC Milan and Juventus icon appeared to be set for the top job following a protected search for Gennaro Gattuso’s replacement, which had seen former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in a three-day discussion for the role only to turn down the position.
But as 116-capped Italy international Pirlo closed in on the job, he hit political resistance, which has now ultimately derailed dreams of managing his country.
Pirlo’s hopes of landing Italy job denied
Italy’s search for a new boss came after they failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup under Gattuso, meaning that the four-time winners had missed out on the tournament for a third consecutive time.
Italy U21s boss Silvio Baldini was handed the role as caretaker manager following Gattuso’s sacking in April, and after Guardiola turned down the role, it looked like the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) were ready to call on another iconic former Azzurri midfielder to fill the void.
However, as Pirlo closed in on the job, the 47-year-old’s commercial ties to a Russian betting company came to the fore, with senior figures in the organisation, plus Italian parliamentarians, expressing their concerns.
Pirlo’s potential appointment has now been called off, with FIGC president Giovanni Malago pulling the plug on the deal at the 11th hour, before the former Italy skipper confirmed on Sunday evening that he is no longer in the running for the role in a lengthy statement on social media.
“Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has unfolded regarding my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team,” he posted on Instagram.
“Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and all those involved, I chose to remain silent until now. However, I feel it is necessary to clarify a few points. Throughout my career—first as a player and now as a coach—I have always conducted my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and the contracts I have signed. The professional collaboration at the heart of the recent controversy arose during my time working in the United Arab Emirates and is purely commercial and sporting in nature. Attributing political significance to this collaboration implies that I hold views I have never expressed and do not share.
“I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I am well aware of their expertise, their professionalism, and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.
“It is regrettable that a decision based on sporting grounds was quickly dragged into a public dispute that ended up attributing motives and intentions to me that are not my own. My love for Italy does not depend on a specific role. It is part of my history and my identity, and it will always remain with me.
Pirlo, who is currently in charge of Emirati club Dubai United, signed an ambassadorship deal with Russian bookmaker Fonbet in October, with scrutiny of this agreement being raised when he appeared alongside his former Italy team-mate Marco Materazzi during an event organised by the bookmaker at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. This visit coincided with aerial attacks on Ukraine, prompting widespread criticism, with Pirlo defending his involvement, insisting that his presence there was strictly non-political, yet a number of Italian politicians have hit back at this.
“After yet another defeat and another missed World Cup qualification, Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution,” Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, said on social media. “The choice of Andrea Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction.”