Italian federation’s hidden knowledge of Pirlo’s Russian gambling deal

In the early morning newsroom, the clock read Vandaag 08:47 when Sky Sport Italia broke the story that the Italiaanse federation (FIGC) had known for weeks about Andrea Pirlo’s Russische gambling deal with Fonbet. The update arrived as officials scrambled to contain the fallout.

Sky Sport Italia reported that the FIGC was fully aware of Pirlo’s work in Russia long before the appointment talks began. "Directly after Pep Guardiola’s rejection the FIGC contacted Pirlo. His lawyers sent him the current employment contracts (at United FC), which also included the relationship with Fonbet," the outlet quoted the federation’s documents.

The deal with Pirlo ultimately collapsed because of the Fonbet agreement, and the newly‑appointed technical director Paolo Maldini is said to have resigned after just sixteen days. No replacement head coach has been named since the collapse.

In an effort to retain Maldini, the FIGC proposed Thiago Motta as a top candidate. The club‑less Motta was praised for his ability to work with young players and his familiarity with the Italian game.

That attempt proved futile; Motta has since faded from the shortlist. Sky Sport Italia later indicated that Roberto Mancini has become the favourite to take the national‑team job, with Antonio Conte mentioned as an alternative.

Giorgio Chiellini has also entered the conversation, this time as a possible technical director succeeding Maldini. The former defender’s name joins a growing list of ex‑stars linked to the role.

The saga suggests that names such as Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero could soon surface in the Italian revue, highlighting how the coaching search has turned into a soap‑opera of former legends.

The episode underscores the complexity of appointing a new Italy coach and raises questions about governance, contractual clauses and the influence of off‑field dealings on the national team’s future.