The former midfielder was the main candidate to take over as coach of the Azzurra, but his role as an ambassador for Fonbet generated strong political controversy and forced the Italian Federation to review the situation
When it seemed that the Italian National Team had secured its new coach, an unexpected controversy halted the negotiations. Andrea Pirlo, the main candidate to take over the Azzurra after Pep Guardiola's refusal, came under scrutiny due to his ties with the largest betting house in Russia.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had begun to move forward with the selection of a successor with the support of Paolo Maldini, who will take on a key role in the new sports project, and Leonardo Araújo as an advisor. Both promoted Pirlo's name, believing he represents a combination of tradition and renewal to start a new cycle with the goal of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.
However, the candidacy of the current coach of Dubai United encountered an unexpected obstacle. Pirlo is a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian company dedicated to sports betting, a relationship that has drawn criticism both for being a company in the gambling sector and for its ties to Russia in the current geopolitical context.
Pirlo is an ambassador for the Russian betting house Fonbet
Although the former midfielder could terminate that contract to take the position, the debate intensified after it was revealed that months ago he participated in a promotional campaign for the company in Moscow. That background provoked rejection from various Italian political leaders.
One of the most critical voices was that of Pina Picierno, Vice President of the European Parliament, who stated: "After yet another defeat and failing to qualify for the World Cup again, Italian football would have needed a cultural, ethical, and management revolution. The choice of Andrea Pirlo goes in the opposite direction". She also questioned the former player's connection to the Russian company, considering that "he freely and repeatedly lent his prestige to an operation to normalize Putin's regime".
In the same vein, leader Carlo Calenda expressed that "Anyone who promotes or has promoted Russia after the attack on Ukraine in 2022 should not hold a national position".
In light of the case's repercussions, the FIGC decided to act cautiously before proceeding with the appointment. According to reports in Italian media, Giovanni Malagò, the president of the entity, and Maldini are waiting to analyze in detail the contract that binds Pirlo to Fonbet to determine whether his role as ambassador is part of the agreement he signed upon arriving at Dubai United or if it is a personal and independent relationship.
Pirlo has been the head coach of Dubai United since mid-2025
While that evaluation continues, the appointment of the 2006 world champion is on hold, and the Italian federation will have to decide whether to maintain its bet on Pirlo or reconsider other alternatives, including Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, to lead the Azzurra on the path to the 2030 World Cup.
