Sky: Malagò Blocks Pirlo’s Appointment — Maldini and Leonardo’s Positions Also in Doubt

Andrea Pirlo will not be appointed head coach of the Italian national team—at least for now. According to the latest report from Sky Sport, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò has refused to authorize the process to move forward.

The decision comes despite clarifications provided by Pirlo and his legal representatives regarding the coach’s partnership with Fonbet, one of Russia’s leading sports betting platforms.

According to Sky Sport, intense political pressure surrounding the controversy in recent hours directly influenced the FIGC president’s position.

The meetings scheduled for Monday, which were expected to lead to Pirlo’s official appointment, have now been cancelled. As a result, the search for Italy’s new head coach has returned to square one.

The situation could also have consequences for technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo, both of whom had expressed their full confidence in Pirlo. It remains to be seen whether they will remain in their respective positions or make other decisions following the rejection of their preferred candidate.

Malagò had previously stated that the League Assembly, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, could provide the opportunity to announce the new Italy head coach. However, following the latest developments, it is unclear whether the federation will identify another candidate by then.

Andrea Pirlo’s Statement

Following the controversy and numerous reactions, Pirlo broke his silence to publicly clarify the nature of his relationship with the Russian company.

“In recent days, I have followed with great sadness the debate surrounding my name and the possibility of becoming head coach of the Italian national team. Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and everyone involved, I initially chose to remain silent. However, I now believe it is necessary to clarify certain points.

“Throughout my career, first as a footballer and now as a coach, I have always performed my duties in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and the contracts I have signed.

“The professional partnership in question is connected to my career in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.

“Giving this partnership a political meaning means attributing to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.

“I would like to thank Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the respect and trust they have shown in me. I know their expertise, professionalism and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.

“I regret that a sporting decision was so quickly dragged into a public debate that ultimately attributed positions and intentions to me that do not belong to me.

“My love for Italy does not depend on a role or position. It is part of my history, my identity and my life.”