The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly reached an agreement with football legend Andrea Pirlo to serve as the new coach of the Italian National Team. This swift move was taken after FIGC's efforts to lure Pep Guardiola hit a dead end. Nevertheless, Pirlo's path to the Gli Azzurri coaching seat was immediately met with a rather complex political controversy.
Currently, Pirlo is still managing the United Arab Emirates club, United Dubai FC. However, FIGC Technical Director Paolo Maldini along with team advisor Leonardo have reportedly contacted Pirlo directly to offer the strategic position. Pirlo's agent, Tullio Tinti, is now finalizing the contract termination with his old club to facilitate the legend's move to the national squad, which is scheduled to be officially announced next Tuesday.
Behind the smooth technical negotiations, Pirlo's appointment has sparked waves in the Italian domestic political arena. The former elegant midfielder has come under sharp scrutiny due to his status as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting company. This commercial cooperation also involves the promotion of Russian sports activities affiliated with the local ministry of sports, a relationship rooted in the owner of United Dubai FC, Sergey Lomakin.
Several politicians in Rome have voiced strong objections to this appointment. Democratic Party MP Mauro Berruto urged Pirlo to immediately terminate the sponsorship deal, arguing that the position of national team coach demands high moral integrity and public exemplary behavior. Echoing Berruto, Azione Party leader Carlo Calenda emphasized that figures affiliated with Russian propaganda post-the 2022 invasion of Ukraine should not hold representative positions of the state.
This situation places FIGC President Giovanni Malagò in a dilemma. On one hand, he must defuse the heating political tension, while on the other, the decision to appoint Pirlo is administratively final and has received full backing from the federation's technical top brass.
