Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate to coach the national football team following days of controversy surrounding a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm. Pirlo, who was 47 and had unexpectedly emerged as the favorite to take over the coaching post and revive the national side, confirmed on Monday that he will not be taking the job and expressed bitterness over the ongoing debate.
The decision comes amid political concerns regarding Pirlo's business ties to the Russian betting company. The flap over the situation has reportedly caused further turmoil within Italian football leadership, with newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini considering stepping down just 16 days into his tenure.
In-depth summary · AI, neutral