Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo — withdrew as candidate for Italy head coach due to controversy over ties to Russian betting company Fonbet.

2026-05-212026-07-30

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
21 MayThe Ghanaian Times
… Written by Italian journalist Alessandro Alciato, author of biographies for Andrea Pirlo and Carlo Ancelotti among others, the book is a colourful tale of how Mr Infantino has transformed FIFA since he was elected on 26 February 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. …
FIFA publishes book on Infantino

Sport

Maldini, Leonardo resign from Italy Federation after Pirlo plan falls through

The News

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.

20 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Yesterday

Maldini, Leonardo resign from Italy Federation after Pirlo plan falls through
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.
20 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →
Mancini returns as Italy coach; Ranieri named technical director
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.
20 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →
Mancini reappointed Italy manager after Pirlo withdraws
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 →

Tuesday 28 July

Mancini reappointed Italy manager after Pirlo withdraws
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 →
Pirlo withdraws from Italy coaching job contention
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 →

Monday 27 July

Pirlo withdraws from Italy coaching role amid Russian betting firm row
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 →
Guardiola declines Italy coaching role to take break
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 →

Friday 24 July

Italy approached Ancelotti before Guardiola for coaching role
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 →

Thursday 23 July

Italy could make salary exceptions to hire Guardiola
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 →

Wednesday 22 July

Italy could make salary exceptions for Guardiola
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 →

Thursday 21 May

FIFA publishes book on Infantino's first ten years
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 →