意大利足球传奇人物安德烈亚·皮尔洛因与俄罗斯博彩公司Fonbet的合作引发政治争议，于7月28日通过Instagram宣布放弃意大利国家队主教练候选人资格[1]。皮尔洛自2023年10月起担任该公司全球大使[1]，并在去年春季参加了莫斯科卢日尼基体育场的Fonbet活动[1]，这些举动招致意大利政界和体育界的广泛反对。
意大利中间偏右政党Azione党领导人卡洛·卡连达公开表示："任何在2022年后宣传俄罗斯的人都不应该担任国家职务"[1]。欧洲议会副主席皮娜·皮切罗批评皮尔洛的任命"朝着完全相反的方向发展"[1]。乌克兰骨架雪橇运动员弗拉迪斯拉夫·赫拉斯凯维奇指责皮尔洛与支持俄罗斯入侵乌克兰的俄罗斯足球运动员阿尔焦姆·久祖巴同时出现[1]。意大利足协技术总监保罗·马尔蒂尼于7月11日刚刚上任[1]，意大利媒体报道称他可能因皮尔洛任命的失败而辞职[1]。
Andrea Pirlo announced on Monday, July 28, that he would no longer be a candidate for the position of Italy national football team head coach, following widespread backlash over his ties to a Russian betting company [1]. The legendary midfielder has served as global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting firm, since October 2023, a role that drew sharp criticism from Italian politicians and sports figures [1].
Pirlo's association with the company became particularly contentious after he participated in Fonbet-sponsored events in Moscow, including an appearance at Luzhniki Stadium in the spring where he met with former teammate Marco Materazzi [1]. His involvement sparked accusations that he was promoting Russia, though Pirlo denied the claims carried political significance [1]. The backlash extended to political circles, with Carlo Calenda of the centre-right Azione party stating that "anyone promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold a national office" [1]. European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno similarly criticized the appointment, suggesting it represented a step "in the completely wrong direction" [1].
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych added to the pressure by pointing out Pirlo's appearance alongside Russian footballer Artem Dzyuba, who has been associated with supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine [1]. Following the mounting controversy, Pirlo chose to withdraw from consideration. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, who took office on July 11, was reported by Italian media to potentially resign in the wake of the failed coaching appointment [1].