Andrea Pirlo out of contention for Italy job amid flap over deal with Russian betting firm
Summary
Andrea Pirlo is no longer considered for the Italy national soccer team coach position due to concerns about his sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company. This issue has caused instability in the leadership of the team after Italy failed to qualify for three straight World Cups.Key Facts
- Andrea Pirlo was a candidate to become the Italy national soccer team coach.
- Political concerns arose because Pirlo had a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm called Fonbet.
- Several Italian politicians worried this deal conflicted with Italy’s support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Pirlo said his deal was only for commercial reasons related to his job in the United Arab Emirates and had no political meaning.
- Paolo Maldini, Italy’s technical director, may quit his job shortly after starting because of the controversy.
- Other top coaching candidates, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, refused offers to coach Italy.
- Italy’s national team has not qualified for the last three World Cups.
- Former coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are again being considered for the job.
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