Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he will not become Italy’s next head coach after withdrawing from consideration following growing political controversy surrounding his candidacy.
The 2006 World Cup winner had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). However, concerns over Pirlo’s role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company ultimately derailed the appointment.
Italy’s strict gambling advertising laws sparked criticism over the prospect of Pirlo taking charge of the national team, prompting the former midfielder to break his silence with a lengthy statement on social media.
“Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and all the people involved, I have chosen to remain silent so far, but after learning last night that I am no longer a candidate for the bench of the Italian National Team, I deem it necessary to clarify some aspects,” Pirlo wrote on his Instagram story.
He admitted the public debate surrounding his name had left him deeply disappointed, insisting his commercial work had been misrepresented.
“During my career, first as a football player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my activity in full respect to the laws of the countries I worked in and the contracts I signed,” he said.
Pirlo explained that his partnership with the betting company originated during his coaching spell in the United Arab Emirates and had no political motivation.
“Professional collaboration, the subject of the recent controversies, arises within the scope of my working journey in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sport nature.
“To attribute a political meaning to such a collaboration means to attribute convictions that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.”
The 47-year-old also thanked former Italy stars Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who reportedly backed his appointment throughout the selection process.
“I wish to thank Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and the trust they showed me. I know their competence, their seriousness and the love they have always devoted to Italian football,” Pirlo added.
“I regret that a choice of sportsmanship was quickly dragged into a public comparison that ended up attributing to my person meanings and intentions that do not belong to me.
“Love for Italy does not depend on a position. It is part of my story, my identity, and it will always be with me.”
Pirlo was not the FIGC’s initial choice for the role. Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti had both been considered before declining the opportunity, leaving the former Juventus and Sampdoria manager as the frontrunner.
Despite enjoying one of the greatest playing careers in Italian football history, Pirlo’s coaching career has yet to reach the same heights. He spent one season in charge of Juventus before being dismissed, while his spell at Sampdoria also ended after a disappointing campaign. He is currently managing Dubai United in the UAE.
Reports in Italy suggest Maldini and Leonardo could now reconsider their own positions within the federation after failing to secure Pirlo’s appointment.
Attention has now shifted towards former Italy bosses Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, with both experienced managers back in contention to lead the Azzurri. Mancini famously guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title, while Conte previously oversaw the national team between 2014 and 2016.
Italy will be hoping to appoint a new manager before their UEFA Nations League campaign resumes against Belgium on September 25, with France and Turkiye also competing in what promises to be a challenging group.