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[SPORTS] · Italy, Russia · 100 sources

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Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach appointment halted by Russian betting controversy

Andrea Pirlo was the frontrunner to become head coach of Italy's men's national football team after Pep Guardiola declined the role. His recent appointment was jeopardised by his position as global ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet and by links to Russian oligarch Sergei Lomakin, owner of United FC in the United Arab Emirates. The relationship sparked criticism from Italian politicians such as Pina Picierno, Ignazio La Russa and Carlo Calenda, who called the deal incompatible with a national‑team post. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), led by president Giovanni Malagò, began reviewing the candidate amid the controversy. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini publicly backed Pirlo and warned he would resign if the appointment were blocked. Pirlo responded on Instagram, saying the Fonbet partnership is purely commercial and not political. Later, he announced via social media that he is no longer a candidate, leaving the federation to consider alternatives such as Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte or Raffaele Palladino.

Entities

Andrea Pirlo · Fonbet · Giovanni Malagò · Italian Football Federation (FIGC) · Paolo Maldini · Sergei Lomakin · Sergey Lomakin

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