Italy abandons plan to make Andrea Pirlo coach after scrutiny over Russian betting company ties

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo said on Monday he was no longer in contention to become the country’s head coach after his commercial links to a Russian betting company drew criticism and opposition to his potential appointment.

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo said on Monday he was no longer in contention to become the country’s head coach after his commercial links to a Russian betting company drew criticism and opposition to his potential appointment.

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The 47-year-old World Cup winner had reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso after Spaniard Pep Guardiola turned down the the job.

However, Pirlo’s candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers.