Pirlo out of Italy coach race after scrutiny over Russian betting company links

July 27 : Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo said on Monday he was no longer in contention to become the country's head coach after his commercial links to a Russian betting company drew criticism and opposition to his potential appointment.The 47-year-old World Cup winner had reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso after Spaniard Pep Guardiola turned down the the job.However, Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers.Pirlo defended his involvement with the company earlier on Monday in a post on Instagram. He said he had been informed on Sunday that he was no longer being considered for the I