CT Italia: Andrea Pirlo’s son speaks his mind on social media: “Proud of you”

Three nightmarish days for the Italian national team, which has yet to find a new head coach: after Pep Guardiola turned down the job, Andrea Pirlo was also rejected—not for purely technical reasons, but due to the Russian sponsor. The collapse of the project also led to the sudden resignations of technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo.

On social media, Pirlo was harshly attacked by journalists and politicians, and his son Nicolò came to his defense in a post on his Instagram profile: “There are moments when disappointment goes beyond a simple choice. Because it’s not just a decision that’s being questioned, but the way people are judged. I know how much you love this job. I know how much you’ve studied, how much you’ve sacrificed, and how much respect you’ve always had for everyone who’s shared your journey.”

“And I know that the values you’ve spoken of aren’t just words—they’re the ones you’ve always lived by. That’s why I feel such deep bitterness. Not over a coaching position, which in sports is won and lost. But because of the atmosphere that has developed around a person who has always let his work speak for itself, without seeking shortcuts or approval,” Nicolò wrote.

“As a son, but also as a young man who dreams of building a future in soccer, all of this hurts. Because the noise seems to matter more than competence, respect, and values. Whatever happens, one thing will never change: I’m proud of the man you are, long before the professional everyone knows. And the values you’ve taught me will always carry more weight than any title, judgment, or controversy.”