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[SPORTS] · Italy, Russia · 72 sources

Andrea Pirlo named Italy coach amid betting‑sponsor controversy

After Pep Guardiola turned down a high‑profile approach to coach the Italian national team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) accelerated its search for a replacement. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo have backed former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner who previously managed Juventus and Dubai United, as the frontrunner for the role.

Pirlo is set to sign a four‑year contract running to the 2030 World Cup, with a reported salary of about €1.5 million per season. The appointment, however, is clouded by his ambassadorship for the Russian betting firm Fonbet. Critics—including EU parliament vice‑president Pina Picierno, Italian senator Ignazio La Russa and other politicians—have warned that the link to a Russian company contravenes Italy’s betting regulations and EU sanctions on Russia, especially given past Italian betting scandals.

The FIGC has stated that any such sponsorship would have to be terminated before Pirlo officially assumes the post. The decision follows a period of turmoil for the Azzurri, who have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, and comes after the federation also considered candidates such as Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. An official announcement is expected within days.

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