Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from consideration to become Italy's next head coach, following backlash over his commercial sponsorship with a Russian gambling company.
The 47-year-old World Cup winner was the leading candidate for the Azzurri job after Pep Guardiola turned down an offer from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
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Pirlo's ambassadorial deal with the Russian firm, signed in October, drew strong objections from FIGC officials and politicians due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He was preparing to end his contract with UAE Pro League club United FC before the appointment collapsed.
Pirlo Defends His Integrity
In a social media statement, Pirlo expressed frustration over the public debate surrounding his potential appointment.
He said he learned he was no longer the candidate and felt it necessary to clarify his position.
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Pirlo defended his professional conduct, stating he has always acted in full respect of the laws and contracts in the countries where he worked.
He emphasized that his promotional arrangement was limited to sports and commercial activities, not political affiliations.
“To attribute a political meaning to such a collaboration means to attribute convictions that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me,” Pirlo said.
The FIGC now must find a successor to Gennaro Gattuso after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, their third consecutive absence.
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Officials Paolo Maldini and Leonardo had previously approached Guardiola in Barcelona, but he declined for personal reasons. Maldini also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, who remains under contract with Brazil.
