Former Italy and AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has announced that he is no longer in contention to become Italy’s next head coach.
Pirlo said he withdrew from consideration following criticism over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company, a controversy that sparked public debate amid the Italian Football Federation’s search for a new national team manager.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner stated that stepping aside was in the best interest of the national team, ending speculation linking him with the role.
