Italy great Andrea Pirlo’s hopes of being appointed as the Azzurri’s new head coach were rejected at the final moment after a political row over his possible hiring.

The former AC Milan and Juventus star had seemed destined for the top post after a guarded search for Gennaro Gattuso’s successor, during which former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held three days of talks for the job before turning it down.

But as Pirlo, who has earned 116 caps for Italy, moved closer to the role, political opposition emerged and has now finally ended his dream of coaching his country.

Italy’s hunt for a new manager began after they failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup under Gattuso, meaning the four-time champions had missed the tournament for a third straight time.

Italy U21s coach Silvio Baldini was given the caretaker job after Gattuso was sacked in April, and once Guardiola declined, it appeared the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was ready to turn to another iconic former Azzurri midfielder to fill the vacancy.

However, as Pirlo got close to the appointment, the 47-year-old’s commercial links with a Russian betting firm came under the spotlight, with senior officials in the organisation, along with Italian parliamentarians, voicing their concerns.

Pirlo’s possible appointment has now been cancelled, with FIGC president Giovanni Malago pulling the plug on the deal at the 11th hour, before the former Italy captain confirmed on Sunday evening, in a long statement on social media, that he was no longer in contention for the post.

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“Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has unfolded regarding my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team,” he posted on Instagram.

“Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and all those involved, I chose to remain silent until now. However, I feel it is necessary to clarify a few points. Throughout my career—first as a player and now as a coach—I have always conducted my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and the contracts I have signed. The professional collaboration at the heart of the recent controversy arose during my time working in the United Arab Emirates and is purely commercial and sporting in nature. Attributing political significance to this collaboration implies that I hold views I have never expressed and do not share.

“I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I am well aware of their expertise, their professionalism, and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.

“It is regrettable that a decision based on sporting grounds was quickly dragged into a public dispute that ended up attributing motives and intentions to me that are not my own. My love for Italy does not depend on a specific role. It is part of my history and my identity, and it will always remain with me.

Pirlo, who is currently in charge of Emirati club Dubai United, signed an ambassadorship agreement with Russian bookmaker Fonbet in October, and scrutiny of that deal increased when he appeared with his former Italy team-mate Marco Materazzi at an event organised by the bookmaker at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. That visit came at the same time as aerial attacks on Ukraine, drawing wide criticism, and while Pirlo defended his involvement by saying his presence there was strictly non-political, several Italian politicians have pushed back against that explanation.

“After yet another defeat and another missed World Cup qualification, Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution,” Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, said on social media. “The choice of Andrea Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction.”