Pirlo Out of Italy Football Top Job After Backlash Over Russian Betting Firm Links The fallout from Andrea Pirlo's failed appointment as Italy's head coach has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many in the Italian football community.
The controversy surrounding his ties to Russian betting firm Fonbet raises fundamental questions about the role of politics and commercial interests in international sports.
Pirlo's appointment was all but certain before the backlash from politicians and fans forced the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to reconsider.