Pirlo's business ties with Russia may cost him the 'Azzurri' captaincy

Doubts surround the possibility of Andrea Pirlo being appointed head coach of the Italian national team, amid concerns raised by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and politicians regarding his business ties with Russia.

Reports indicated that the FIGC and Pirlo had reached an agreement for him to take charge until 2030, following Spanish manager Pep Guardiola’s refusal of the role. However, reports published today in Italian newspapers “La Gazzetta dello Sport,” “Corriere della Sera,” and “La Repubblica” suggested the deal could be scrapped due to Pirlo’s connections with Russia.

The 47-year-old former international defender serves as a media ambassador for the Russian betting company Fonbet and recently participated in events in Moscow, sparking outrage among sports and political circles in Italy and abroad amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Media reports stated that FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is currently reviewing Pirlo’s contracts and commercial associations.

Pirlo earned 116 caps for Italy and was a key figure in the team’s 2006 World Cup triumph. He previously managed Juventus and Sampdoria, achieving modest success, before taking charge of United FC. These developments follow the resignation of former manager Gennaro Gattuso, after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

According to “Football Italia,” as cited by Al Sharq Bloomberg, Pirlo’s appointment as Italy’s new head coach is expected to be announced tomorrow or the day after, to succeed Gattuso. Pirlo is set to sign a contract running until the end of the 2030 World Cup, with an annual salary of €1.5 million ($1.7 million).

Since July 2025, Pirlo has served as head coach of United Dubai in the UAE, successfully leading the team to promotion to the Pro League and reaching the semi-finals of the President’s Cup in a historic achievement.