Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 27 Jul 2026
Pirlo out of Italy job race, Maldini and Leonardo may follow
Three of Italy's biggest football figures could exit within days.
Who
Andrea Pirlo
What
Will not become Italy head coach
Why
Betting company brand ambassador controversy
Also
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo may step away
What happened. Andrea Pirlo confirmed he will not be the next Italy head coach due to controversy over his role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company. Reports also suggest Paolo Maldini and Leonardo may leave their roles.
- Pirlo was a leading candidate before the controversy.
- Maldini and Leonardo considering stepping away.
- Three iconic figures could exit in days.
The departures raise concerns about Italian football's direction at federation and club level.
In this story
D. Maldini
LeonardoMore to read
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