Andrea Pirlo has released a statement on his social media channels after the controversy over a Russian betting company torpedoed his chances of becoming Italy coach. 'I wish to thank Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for their respect and faith.'
The 2006 World Cup winner had become the favourite to take the Italy job after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola both turned down the opportunity.
However, scandal quickly engulfed the idea when it emerged he was a global brand ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, which both caused controversy for visiting Moscow in May 2026 for an event, and as advertising gambling in Italy is illegal.
This evening, Pirlo released a statement via his Instagram account.
Pirlo speaks out over controversy
"Over the last few days, I watched with great sadness the debate that developed around my name and the possibility of taking the job of coach of the Italy team.
"Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and of all the people involved, I chose until now to maintain my silence. However, I feel it is only right that I clarify certain aspects.
"In the course of my career, first as a player and then as a coach, I always performed my duties within full respect of the laws of the countries I worked in, and the contracts that I signed.
"The professional collaboration that is the subject of recent controversy came about as part of my working experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature.
"Attributing political meaning to this collaboration means attributing convictions to me that I have never expressed and that I do not hold.
"I wish to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the respect and faith that they showed in me. I know their competence, their seriousness, and the love that they have always dedicated to Italian football.
"I regret that a sporting choice has been rapidly dragged into a public confrontation that ended up attributing meanings and intentions to me that simply do not belong.
"Love for Italy does not depend on a job. It is part of my history, my identity, and will continue to accompany me, always."
Although this is not a formal withdrawal from the consideration for the Italy job, it does seem improbable at this point that Pirlo can overcome the controversy created by the situation.
Now it may well force the Federation to look further down the list of alternatives, but the real danger is that technical director Maldini could step down if he finds that he cannot bring in the coach that he wanted.
