Andrea Pirlo — withdrew as candidate for Italy national team head coach due to controversy over ties to Russian betting company Fonbet.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Andrea Pirlo
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The Chronicle
… That fell through, though, and Italian Football Federation technical director and defensive legend Paolo Maldini resigned after a move to appoint Andrea Pirlo also collapsed due to his commercial links with a Russian betting company. …
Pep Guardiola rejected the Italy job because of ‘Exhaustion’ -Paolo MaldiniThe Ghanaian Times
… The decision to step down comes shortly after former Italy international Andrea Pirlo said he was no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national side. …
Maldini, Leonardo resign from Italy Fed. after Pirlo coaching plan failedThe Ghanaian Times
… Former FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo resigned from their roles on Monday after their primary candidate for the Italy coach’s position, Andrea Pirlo, had his appointment blocked due to his ties to a Russian betting firm. …
Mancini to take over Italy coach job with Ranieri as technical directorThe Chronicle
Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time – just a day after Andrea Pirlo ruled himself out of the running for the job and technical director Paolo Maldini resigned. …
Mancini reappointed Italy boss after Pirlo controversyJoy Online
Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time – just a day after Andrea Pirlo ruled himself out of the running for the job and technical director Paolo Maldini resigned. …
Mancini reappointed Italy boss after Pirlo controversyThe Ghanaian Times
Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo said yesterday he was no longer in contention to become the country’s head coach after his commercial links to a Russian betting company drew criticism and opposition to his potential appointment. …
Pirlo out of Italy coaching raceJoy Online
Andrea Pirlo has said he is no longer a candidate to coach the Italian national side following days of controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company. …
Pirlo out of Italy football top job after backlash over Russian betting firm linksThe Ghanaian Times
… Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who guided the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory, 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte have been linked with the post as well. …
Guardiola turns down Italy jobJoy Online
… Former Italy managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, as well as former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo, have also been linked with the job.
Italy confirm Ancelotti approach before GuardiolaThe Chronicle
… Another former Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini – who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory five years ago – and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who manages Dubai United, are also being considered for the role. …
Italy could make financial ‘exceptions’ for GuardiolaPep Guardiola came close to accepting the Italy national team manager position and even drafted line-ups, but ultimately rejected it due to exhaustion, according to Italian Football Federation technical director Paolo Maldini. Roberto Mancini was instead appointed to the role.
11 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Pep Guardiola came close to accepting the Italy national team manager position and even drafted line-ups, but ultimately rejected it due to exhaustion, according to Italian Football Federation technical director Paolo Maldini. Roberto Mancini was instead appointed to the role.
11 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles with the Italian Football Federation after Andrea Pirlo withdrew as a coaching candidate due to opposition over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company. The departures, coming just 16 days after Maldini's appointment, leave the federation without a clear national team strategy following Italy's failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup.
29 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Roberto Mancini will return for a second spell as Italy national team coach, replacing Gennaro Gattuso who left in April following a World Cup qualifying defeat, while Claudio Ranieri will take over as technical director. The appointment came after Pep Guardiola turned down the role and Andrea Pirlo's candidacy was blocked due to ties to a Russian betting firm.
29 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time, a day after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from the position due to controversy over ties to a Russian betting company and Paolo Maldini resigned as technical director. Claudio Ranieri will replace Maldini in the role.
29 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Roberto Mancini has been reappointed Italy manager a day after Andrea Pirlo withdrew from the running due to controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company, and Paolo Maldini resigned as technical director. Claudio Ranieri will replace Maldini in the role.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Andrea Pirlo said he is no longer in contention to become Italy's head coach after criticism over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company Fonbet drew objections from Italian Football Federation officials and lawmakers.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn as a candidate to coach the Italian national football team following backlash over his ties to Russian betting company Fonbet and appearances alongside pro-Kremlin figures. The controversy also prompted two senior Italian Football Federation officials, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, to resign.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Pep Guardiola has turned down the vacant Italy coaching job, with sources indicating he intends to take "at least one year" out of football after leaving Manchester City. The Catalan coach wants to prioritize his personal life but remains open to international football roles in the future, as several nations have approached him.
27 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Italy's Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti, currently Brazil's manager, before holding talks with Pep Guardiola to fill the national team head coach position vacant since Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April.
24 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed talks have been held with Pep Guardiola about becoming Italy head coach, and that financial exceptions could be made for his salary. Italy has been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for the World Cup.
23 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy head coach, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed. Malago stated that financial exceptions could be made for the 55-year-old's salary, though he noted it is not certain the appointment will proceed.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
FIFA has published a book by Italian journalist Alessandro Alciato documenting Gianni Infantino's first 10 years as FIFA President since his election in February 2016. The book covers behind-the-scenes stories, women's football growth, revenue redistribution, and FIFA's transition from corruption to transparency.
21 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →