ROME (AP) — andrea pirlo I’m no longer in line for the coach. Italy in crisis Due to political concerns surrounding a sponsorship deal with a Russian gambling company.
Pirlo himself confirmed his absence in an Instagram post on Monday, saying: “Last night I heard that I am no longer a candidate for the Italian national team.”
Several Italian politicians have expressed concerns about Pirlo and Fonbet’s ambassadorial contracts, saying the national team coach should not have conflicting views about Italy’s support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Pirlo was prepared to step down from his current job as Dubai United manager, but his unsuccessful spells at Juventus and Sampdoria made him an unpopular choice.
Pirlo said the contract with Fonbet relates to work in the United Arab Emirates and is for “solely commercial and sporting” purposes.
“To attribute political significance to that collaboration means ascribing to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me,” Pirlo added.
Pirlo was at best a third choice after managers Carlo Ancelotti and Josep Guardiola turned down offers to take over the team, which has failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Currently, the appointment of former Italy national team managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte is being discussed again.
Gennaro Gattuso Resigned as Italy national team coach by mutual agreement in April Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
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