After Pep Guardiola's refusal, there is still a stalemate over the name of the new Italian national team coach.
Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò is reportedly "considering" the option of Andrea Pirlo, chosen by the FIGC's new technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo. The former AC Milan midfielder is reportedly unwelcome and has also come under fire for his relationship with a Russian betting provider for which he is an "ambassador." Reports suggest that if Pirlo were to fall through, Maldini might also consider stepping down.
Meanwhile, Pirlo himself broke his silence: "I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate surrounding my name as coach," he wrote on social media. "I have always conducted my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries," he added, thanking Maldini and Leonardo "for their respect and trust." Regarding his relationship with the Russian provider, Pirlo explained: "The collaboration is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature. Attributing political significance to it means attributing to me beliefs I have never expressed and that are not mine."
(Unioneonline)
