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Italian football has been rocked by the news that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have quit in the wake of Andrea Pirlo being ruled out of the running as next national team boss.
Pirlo is no longer in the frame to become Italy's next manager after 'political' concerns were raised over the football legend's sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company.
Pirlo, 47, was backed by former team-mate and new Italian Football Federation (FIGC) technical director Maldini to land the role after legendary ex-Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the opportunity.
The former AC Milan and Juventus star was on the brink of agreeing a deal with the crisis-hit football nation before several Italian politicians raised concerns about Pirlo's role as an ambassador for Russian betting firm Fonbet.
It was felt Pirlo, who had been prepared to leave his current job as coach of Dubai United, should not have conflicting views on Italy's support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
In the subsequent fallout, Maldini and his assistant Leonardo are reported to have stepped down, too, after just 16 days in their jobs.
Pirlo himself confirmed that he was no longer in the running in an Instagram post on Monday, urging that his Fonbet deal was linked to his job in the United Arab Emirates and is 'exclusively for commercial and sports' purposes.
His claim has been refuted by Dubai United owner Sergey Lomakin, who stated that Pirlo's involvement with the firm was not an involuntary aspect of his deal.
Andrea Pirlo is no longer in the running to become Italy's next manager after a dramatic twist
The Italy legend's appointment has been blocked after 'political' concerns were raised over his sponsorship deal with Russian betting company Fonbet in the United Arab Emirates
Pirlo said in a statement: 'In recent days, I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team.
'Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation, and all those involved, I have chosen to remain silent until now.'
'However, I feel it is my duty to clarify certain aspects.
'Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always conducted my activities in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I have worked and the contracts I have signed.
'The professional collaboration at the centre of the recent controversy arose as part of my career in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature.'
It is understood Maldini was furious by the decision made by FIGC president Giovanni Malago and quit his role as technical director after Pirlo's appointment was blocked.
Adverts, endorsements and sponsorship deals pertaining to betting are strictly prohibited in Italy.
Pirlo added: 'Attributing political meaning to this collaboration means attributing to me beliefs I have never expressed and that are not mine.
'I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown me. I know their expertise, their seriousness, and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.
Paolo Maldini was furious at the decision and has decided to walk away from his role as a result
'I regret that a sporting decision was quickly dragged into a public debate that ended up attributing to me meanings and intentions that are not mine.
'My love for Italy does not depend on a position. It is part of my history, my identity, and will continue to accompany me, always.'
Pirlo was at best a third-choice after Carlo Ancelotti and Guardiola turned down offers to coach a team that has failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Now former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are back being discussed for the job.