Pirlo out of Italy football top job after backlash over Russian betting firm links

"After learning last night that I am no longer a candidate for the Italian national team, I feel it is my duty to clarify some aspects."

— Andrea Pirlo , Athlete

"Anyone who is or has been promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office."

— Carlo Calenda , Politician

"Italian football desperately needed a cultural, ethical and managerial revolution but that the choice of Pirlo goes in the exact opposite direction."

— Pina Picierno , Politician

"It is saddening to note that, despite [Pirlo's] extraordinary contribution to world sport and to Italy's image around the world, in your own country, you are now being ostracized."

— Aleksey Paramonov , Other

"It's sad to see childhood legends turn into moral bankrupts."

— Vladyslav Heraskevych , Athlete