Andrea Pirlo is out of contention for the Italy job amid political concerns over a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The flap over Pirlo reportedly has Paolo Maldini considering stepping down just 16 days into his new job as the technical director charged with restoring order for the Azzurri.
This after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti had already turned down offers to coach a national team that has failed to qualify for three straight World Cups.
The crisis surrounding Italy's once-proud squad is expanding to new dimensions four months after the four-time World Cup champion was beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff.
Pirlo himself confirmed that he was out in an Instagram post Monday, saying he "heard last night that I'm no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job."
Several Italian politicians had raised concerns about Pirlo's contract to be an ambassador for Fonbet, saying the national team coach should not have conflicting views on Italy's 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 — despite having been one of the standout players when Italy last won the World Cup in 2006.
Pirlo said the Fonbet deal was linked to his job in the United Arab Emirates and is "exclusively for commercial and sports" purposes.
"Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don't belong to me," Pirlo added. "My love for Italy doesn't depend on a job. It's part of my history, my identity and it will remain forever."
Pirlo was at best a third choice after Brazil coach Ancelotti and former Manchester City manager Guardiola turned down offers from Maldini and special adviser Leonardo.
But Pirlo was preferred by his former AC Milan teammate Maldini ahead of figures like former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte because he was seen as someone more willing to adapt to new policies and promote younger players in an attack-minded system.