The proposed revolution at the helm of the Italian national team could collapse before it has even truly begun. Andrea Pirlo is now unlikely to become the new head coach of the Azzurri, while Paolo Maldini and Leonardo could already leave their positions.
The Leonardo-Pirlo-Maldini project is reportedly close to falling apart. According to the Italian press, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, federation president Giovanni Malagò blocked Pirlo’s appointment after learning about the coach’s contract with Fonbet, a major Russian sports betting platform.
Pirlo Appointment Blocked by Betting Partnership
Meetings scheduled in Rome on Monday between the former midfielder’s representatives and the Italian Football Federation were reportedly cancelled. The talks were expected to finalise the termination of Pirlo’s contract with United FC before he signed an agreement with the national team. Pirlo attempted to calm the controversy by insisting that his partnership with the Russian company was strictly related to sport and had no political dimension, but his explanation reportedly failed to convince Malagò amid mounting pressure.
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The decision could now trigger a major crisis within the federation. Maldini and Leonardo had placed Pirlo at the centre of their project after Pep Guardiola reportedly rejected the national team job for family reasons. Without a coach who shares their vision, the technical director and his adviser could resign, as both wanted to appoint a young manager capable of developing alongside the team rather than bringing back an experienced coach who had already managed Italy.
The federation must now find an urgent solution. Giorgio Chiellini could emerge as an option to replace Maldini as technical director, while Antonio Conte’s name is once again being mentioned for the head coach position. A Federal Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. Italy had initially hoped to arrive with its new coach already confirmed, but the situation could instead lead to several departures and another complete overhaul of the sporting project.
