Andrea Pirlo, Italy, FIGC and Paolo Maldini
Monday
Andrea Pirlo confirmed he is no longer a candidate to become Italy head coach after controversy over his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet. The collapse has thrown the Azzurri search back into uncertainty.
Pirlo had reportedly been close to a four-year deal after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned Italy down. Technical director Paolo Maldini is now said to be furious, with possible resignations raising the pressure on FIGC president Giovanni Malago.