Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as Italy national team head coach has officially collapsed.
The Italian Football Federation has decided not to proceed with the appointment after federation president Giovanni Malagò halted the signing process over Pirlo’s reported collaboration with a Russian betting brand.
The decision brings a dramatic end to negotiations that had appeared to be nearing completion after Pirlo accepted the federation’s verbal proposal.
Softfootball previously reported that the World Cup-winning former midfielder had agreed to the long-term project presented by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, with only the final administrative steps remaining before his appointment was expected to be made official.
However, the federation has now reversed course, leaving Italy back in search of a new head coach following the collapse of the deal.
Pep Guardiola had turned down the opportunity to take charge of Italy after deciding to step away from coaching to spend time with his family and recharge before accepting a new project in the future.
Attention will now turn to the Italian Football Federation’s next managerial target as the Azzurri continue their search for a long-term successor.
