ROME (AP) 鈥� is no longer in line to coach due to political concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm.
Pirlo himself confirmed that he was out in an Instagram post Monday, saying he 鈥渉eard last night that I鈥檓 no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job.鈥�
Several Italian politicians had raised concerns about Pirlo鈥檚 contract to be an ambassador for Fonbet, saying the national team coach should not have conflicting views on Italy鈥檚 support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Pirlo, who had been prepared to leave his current job as coach of Dubai United, was an unpopular choice after unsuccessful stints coaching Juventus and Sampdoria.
Pirlo said the Fonbet deal was linked to his job in the United Arab Emirates and is 鈥渆xclusively for commercial and sports鈥� purposes.
鈥淎ttributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me,鈥� Pirlo added.
Pirlo was at best a third choice after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola turned down offers to coach a team that has failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Now former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are back being discussed for the job.
left as Italy鈥檚 coach by mutual consent in April after in a World Cup qualifying playoff.
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