Sports · 27 July 2026
Italy drop Pirlo coaching plan over Russian betting deal
Technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed on Monday that Andrea Pirlo will not be named Italy head coach, ending weeks of speculation. Italian politicians objected to Pirlo's sponsorship agreement with a Russian betting firm, citing Italy's backing for Ukraine, and federation president Giovanni Malago holds the final decision. Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi are now among the candidates under consideration.
Reported by NBC News · How we write briefs