Andrea Pirlo’s Italy Appointment Under Scrutiny Over Fonbet Partnership

Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as the next manager of Italy’s national team has been thrown into doubt because of his commercial relationship with Russian sportsbook operator Fonbet.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation, had “put the brakes on” Pirlo’s prospects of coaching the Azzurri.

Corriere della Sera reported that FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and former sporting director Leonardo had backed Pirlo after Pep Guardiola rejected the opportunity to manage Italy.

Malagò suspended the appointment process while seeking legal clarification on Pirlo’s ambassadorial contract with Fonbet. Italian reports have not alleged any direct connection between the sportsbook and the Kremlin or Russian officials.

Fonbet was founded in 1995 by former chess player Anatoly Machulsky. It runs more than 1,000 retail outlets and was among the first companies authorised by Roskomnadzor to launch an online sportsbook in 2016.

Pirlo says Fonbet agreement is separate from his coaching employment

Pirlo has served as a global ambassador for Fonbet since October 2025. His relationship with the company is believed to be linked to billionaire Sergey Lomakin, a Fonbet shareholder and investor in Dubai United FC, where Pirlo has managed since July 2025.

Corriere della Sera reported that Pirlo told the FIGC his Fonbet deal was a personal commercial partnership and was not connected to his employment at Dubai United. The federal prosecutor reportedly examined the contract over the weekend and concluded that it was separate from Pirlo’s coaching role. 

Despite this finding, Malagò is said to have cancelled a meeting with Pirlo and his representatives that was meant to seal the appointment. Pirlo’s association with Fonbet and Lomakin has been known within Italian football since 2022, when he attended an event in Moscow hosted by the Russian businessman.

His commercial relationship has become more politically sensitive because Italy supports sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Malagò faces first major political test of his FIGC presidency

This dispute represents the first political challenge of Malagò’s presidency since he took office in June. He has supported proposals for a 1% betting rights levy on football wagers to fund stadium redevelopment, grassroots investment and the modernisation of Italian football.

The plan will feature in September’s budget negotiations, when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is due to finalise its fiscal programme before the 2027 general election. That position could make Malagò cautious about any appointment creating further controversy around football’s relationship with gambling.

Corriere della Sera also reported that Paulo Maldini and Leonardo threatened to resign if Pirlo’s appointment was blocked, viewing Malagò’s intervention as an intrusion into their sporting responsibilities.

Both men reportedly believe details of the Fonbet relationship were leaked because of doubts about Pirlo’s managerial record rather than concerns about the contract alone.

Coaching record and political pressure leave Italy’s search unresolved

Pirlo remains one of Italy’s most celebrated former players and was part of the team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, his coaching record has divided opinion following short spells with Juventus and Sampdoria, neither lasting beyond one season.

The FIGC faced criticism after Guardiola distanced himself from speculation linking him with the role. Giorgia Meloni recently reaffirmed Italy’s support for Ukraine, including a further €4bn in defence spending, adding another political layer to scrutiny of Pirlo’s Russian commercial ties.

If the appointment collapses, Malagò will have to restart the search while addressing tensions within the federation. Italy needs a coach capable of restoring the Azzurri’s competitive standing, but the process must also rebuild confidence in the FIGC’s leadership and wider reform plans

Expert Opinion

Italy’s FA has paused Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as national team coach due to links with Fonbet and its Russian owner. This follows the prime minister pledging support for Ukraine. The sporting directors have threatened to resign due to doubts over the substantiality of these claims.