Pirlo bitter over debate that cost him Italy coaching job

Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo has voiced his bitterness over the public debate that has cost him the chance to coach the national team. Pirlo, who was surprisingly favored by many Italian fans to revive the national side after their failure to qualify for the World Cup, learned he was no longer a candidate on Monday.

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(I) learned yesterday evening that I am no longer a candidate to be coach of the national side.

Despite a stellar playing career, including a World Cup win in 2006, Pirlo's coaching experience is limited. His candidacy had already faced scrutiny due to a contract with a Russian betting firm and a lack of major trophies since beginning his coaching career in 2020. He has coached Juventus, Sampdoria, and Turkish club Karagumruk, with his only trophy being a single Italian Cup.

Pirlo took to Instagram to express his feelings, stating he felt compelled to "clarify certain points." He wrote, "I have followed with great bitterness the debate surrounding my candidacy." He thanked Italian technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo for their confidence but regretted that a decision based on sporting criteria had quickly become a public controversy.

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I have followed with great bitterness the debate surrounding my candidacy.

According to Italian media, while Maldini and Leonardo favored Pirlo over the more experienced Antonio Conte, the new federation chief Giovanni Malago opposed the appointment from the outset. Conte, who has a strong record of winning league titles, is now reportedly back in contention for the coaching job.

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I regret that a decision based on sporting criteria rapidly became a public controversy, in which intentions and ideas which do not reflect my personality were attributed to me.