Pirlo says he won't coach Italy amid betting ties

Andrea Pirlo's bid to become the next Italy coach has been dealt a severe blow, with the 42-year-old former midfielder publicly stating that he will not be pursuing the role due to his association with Russian betting firm Fonbet.

The sponsorship deal between Pirlo and Fonbet has sparked controversy in Italy, with many critics arguing that it poses a conflict of interest given the country's ongoing tensions with Russia. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has also been put on high alert by the deal, with officials expressing concerns over the potential implications for the country's footballing reputation.

Pirlo's ties to Fonbet were first reported earlier this month, with the Italian Football Federation subsequently launching an investigation into the matter. The former midfielder has reportedly been a brand ambassador for the company since 2020, and has appeared in promotional materials for the firm. While Pirlo has maintained that he is committed to his career as a coach, his association with Fonbet has undoubtedly damaged his reputation in the eyes of many Italian football fans.

The news is a significant setback for Pirlo, who had been widely tipped to succeed Roberto Mancini as Italy coach after the latter's recent departure. With his chances of landing the job now seemingly in tatters, Pirlo will be forced to regroup and assess his next move in the world of football coaching.