Andrea Pirlo Blocked From Italy Job Over Russian Betting Partnership

Former Italy midfielder and 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has reportedly lost the opportunity to become head coach of the Italian national football team after controversy surrounding his commercial partnership with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. The reports sparked widespread debate in Italy, while Pirlo insisted that his business activities fully comply with the law. Reports Say FIGC Blocked Pirlo's Appointment According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Pirlo had accepted a verbal offer from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to become the country's next head coach. However, reports say the federation's president blocked the appointment after objections emerged over Pirlo's commercial agreement with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. Pirlo signed an ambassador contract with Fonbet in October 2025. As part of the partnership, he appeared in the company's widely discussed advertising campaign that aired during broadcasts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.