Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 26 Jul 2026
Italy restart coach search after Pirlo controversy
Andrea Pirlo's link to a Russian betting firm forces Italy to explore other candidates.
Italy
team
Candidates
Conte, Mancini, Pioli, Palladino
Previous targets
Ancelotti, Guardiola turned down offer
Reason
Pirlo's role as global brand ambassador for Russian betting company
What happened. Italy's search for a new coach resumes after Andrea Pirlo became unlikely due to his association with a Russian betting company.
- Mancini and Conte are former Azzurri bosses considered behind Pirlo.
- Palladino, 42, left Atalanta by mutual consent this summer.
- Pioli won the Scudetto with Maldini at Milan.
Italy must now decide between experienced names or a younger coach like Palladino.
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