The situation surrounding Pirlo intensifies: Maldini considers his future with the national team

The Italian Football Federation is in turmoil over the freezing of Andrea Pirlo's appointment as the national team coach. After the attempt to recruit Pep Guardiola failed, technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo proposed only one candidate to lead the national team's revival: Andrea Pirlo. Modern football, a long-term project, and a salary that would not exceed the budget—everything seemed set for an agreement. However, just when a deal appeared imminent, a dramatic turn of events complicated the matter.

The ties of Pirlo with the Russian betting company Fonbet, where he serves as a global ambassador, and with the oligarch Sergey Lomakin, president of United FC, have created a real public storm that is hard to ignore. Maldini was not prepared for this. According to reports in Italy, the current commotion has left him "stunned," and he is struggling to navigate the political thicket.

In contrast, the president of the federation, Giovanni Malagò, feels like a fish in water in this arena and has reportedly begun to examine alternatives for the position. According to "La Gazzetta," Maldini rejected the proposal to appoint Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini, as he wants a coach who believes in a long-term project.

Now there is a fear in Maldini's circle that the whole story was intended only to bypass his decision and serve as an excuse to cancel the appointment of Pirlo, which surprised many in Italy anyway. Maldini agreed to his role only after receiving a promise to choose the new coach himself, and if his decision is overturned, the crisis could lead to his departure. In Italy, it is expected that advisor Leonardo will act as a "mediator" between the parties if the crisis worsens.