Andrea Pirlo remained without the Italian national team due to contract with Russian company

Legendary Italian footballer and coach Andrea Pirlo lost the opportunity to head the Italian national team after a scandal erupted around his cooperation with one of the Russian betting companies.

According to Italian media, Andrea Pirlo's candidacy had already been approved, but at the last moment, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago refused to give final approval for the appointment. The reason is reported to be increased political pressure and public criticism caused by Andrea Pirlo's commercial contract with a Russian betting company. As a result, negotiations were halted.

Pirlo himself commented on the situation on social media, emphasizing that his cooperation with the Russian bookmaker has nothing to do with politics.

"In recent days I have watched with great regret the discussion that has unfolded around my name and the possibility of taking the post of head coach of the Italian national team. Throughout my career — first as a footballer and now as a coach — I have always worked in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I conducted professional activities and observed the terms of signed contracts. The cooperation that has become the subject of disputes arose within the framework of my work in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature. Attributing political meaning to it means attributing to me views that I have never held," Pirlo stated.

Andrea Pirlo also thanked Italian national team technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo for the trust they placed in him.

"Love for Italy does not depend on any position. It is part of my history, my personality and will always remain with me," he stressed.

According to Italian media, the refusal to appoint Andrea Pirlo could lead to serious personnel changes in the Italian Football Federation. In particular, it is reported that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are considering the possibility of resigning from their posts due to disagreement with the leadership's decision. Among the new candidates for the post of head coach of the national team are Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.