Andrea Pirlo will not be taking the position of Italy national team manager, the former midfielder announced on his Instagram account on Monday. The news brings an end to a project spearheaded by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who had identified Pirlo as their priority candidate and may now resign from their roles as technical director and advisor to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
According to reports, the decision stems from a veto by FIGC president Giovanni Malago, who deemed Pirlo’s role as a brand ambassador for Russian betting operator Fonbet incompatible with managing the national team. Pirlo, currently managing a club in the United Arab Emirates, defended his position, stating that attributing political significance to the collaboration is to assign him beliefs he does not hold and does not align with. He further clarified that he has always operated within the legal frameworks of the countries where he has worked and the terms of his contracts.
The FIGC had previously been rejected by Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti in their search for a new manager, leaving those responsible for revitalizing Italian football in a precarious position. While the possibility of re-appointing Roberto Mancini, favoured by the Federation’s presidency, and approaching Antonio Conte have not been completely dismissed, the situation remains fluid.
Pirlo expressed his gratitude to Maldini and Leonardo for their faith in him and reaffirmed his enduring love for Italy, stating it is independent of any official position. He emphasized that his connection to the nation is integral to his identity and will remain with him always. The 2006 World Cup winner’s potential appointment had generated significant discussion, but the circumstances surrounding his commercial commitments ultimately proved insurmountable. This development leaves the Italian national team in continued uncertainty as they seek a new leader.
