Andrea Pirlo’s Russian links unsettle Italy amid push to appoint him coach | OneFootball

Andrea Pirlo’s role with Russian bookmaker Fonbet has clouded Italy’s move to install him as national coach.

According to L'Équipe, the new federation hierarchy, led by technical director Paolo Maldini with adviser Leonardo, turned to Pirlo after Pep Guardiola declined following several days of talks. Their choice has met swift resistance focused on his Fonbet contract.

Pirlo has coached Dubaï United since July 2025, and in October 2025 became a Fonbet ambassador. The club is sponsored by Russian discounter Fix Price, founded by oligarch Sergey Lomakin, who has interests in Fonbet, and his May trip to Moscow for a Russian federation event had already caused a stir.

The row intensified on Saturday as politicians weighed in. European Parliament vice-president Pina Picierno said Pirlo lent prestige to normalising Vladimir Putin’s regime while Ukraine was under attack, and that choosing him would be a grave mistake.

Pirlo’s camp says his deals with the Dubai club and the Russian agency can be ended by him at any time, which would remove the issue. Federation president Giovanni Malago wants assurances and for Pirlo to act quickly.

Malago is close to Roberto Mancini and would have liked the former Italy boss to return, after he left for Saudi Arabia in 2023 less than a year before the Euro. Serie A clubs pushed for Antonio Conte, a strong character seen as capable of quick results. Maldini and Leonardo have nevertheless chosen Pirlo, and further talks are expected in the coming hours.

Source: L'Équipe