Andrea Pirlo will not become the next head coach of Italy. The Italian Football Federation has pulled the plug on his appointment just hours before he was due to sign the contract.
Federation president Giovanni Malagó vetoed the agreement.The reason cited is Pirlo’s existing partnership with a Russian betting company. Malagó determined that the commercial tie-in conflicted with the Federation’s policies and decided the deal could not proceed.
As a result, the contract that was scheduled to be finalized today has been cancelled. Pirlo is officially out of contention for the Azzurri job.The development also puts the spotlight on Paolo Maldini and Leonardo. Both are expected to review their positions and next steps in light of the sudden change in the federation’s coaching plans.
