Italy’s search for a new national team coach has taken another dramatic turn, with Andrea Pirlo confirming that he is no longer in contention for the role.

Gennaro Gattuso left the role by mutual consent in April, leaving Italy searching for its fourth head coach in as many years. Luciano Spalletti had previously been dismissed after a qualifying defeat to Norway, while Claudio Ranieri also declined an offer before Gattuso’s appointment.

With Pirlo now out of the race, former European Championship-winning coach Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have once again emerged as leading candidates. Former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, currently coaching in Saudi Arabia, is also being linked with the vacancy.

Why is Andrea Pirlo Left Out of Italy Manager Job?

The Italy legend has been removed from the race amid controversy surrounding his commercial association with a Russian betting company.

Pirlo revealed the development in an Instagram post on Monday, saying he had been informed the previous night that he was no longer a candidate for the Italy national team job.

The former World Cup-winning midfielder had emerged as one of the leading contenders after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly declined approaches to take charge of the Azzurri. Pirlo was viewed as a coach who could help usher in a new era by promoting young players and implementing a more attack-minded style of football.

However, his reported appointment faced strong political opposition because of his ambassadorial deal with Fonbet, a Russian betting firm. Several Italian politicians questioned whether the Italy head coach should maintain commercial ties that could conflict with the country’s stance on Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Responding to the criticism, Pirlo insisted the partnership was purely commercial and linked to his coaching role at Dubai United.

“I heard last night that I’m no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job,” Pirlo wrote.

He added that the agreement with Fonbet was “exclusively for commercial and sports” purposes and rejected attempts to attach political meaning to the partnership.

“Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me. My love for Italy doesn’t depend on a job. It’s part of my history, my identity and it will remain forever.”

The latest setback has reportedly left newly-appointed technical director Paolo Maldini frustrated, with reports in Italy suggesting he is even considering stepping down just 16 days after taking up the role. Maldini had reportedly favoured Pirlo over experienced former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.

Italy’s coaching search has become increasingly complicated following another disappointing period for the four-time world champions. After missing three consecutive FIFA World Cups, the Azzurri suffered a shock qualifying playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this year, leading to further instability within the national team.