The Azzurri dream is dead. Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as Italy’s head coach was axed just hours before signing.

The culprit? His controversial partnership with a Russian betting brand.

Italian officials deemed his ties to the firm incompatible with national representation amid the Ukraine conflict. Federation president Giovanni Malagò pulled the plug, leaving Italy’s search for a new tactical leader back at zero.

Italian officials deemed his ties to the firm incompatible with national representation amid the Ukraine conflict. Federation president Giovanni Malagò pulled the plug, leaving Italy’s search for a new tactical leader back at zero.

Italian officials deemed his ties to the firm incompatible with national representation amid the Ukraine conflict. Federation president Giovanni Malagò pulled the plug, leaving Italy’s search for a new tactical leader back at zero.