Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have stepped down from their proposed positions within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), marking a significant setback for the organization. This development occurred shortly after both football legends had agreed to join the federation as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the national team.
Their resignations follow the breakdown of plans to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy’s new head coach. Maldini had been named technical director on July 11, tasked with rebuilding the national squad after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. One of his initial responsibilities was to find a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, who had recently left the coaching role vacant.
However, just 16 days into his tenure, Maldini resigned alongside Leonardo, the former Brazil international who had been serving as his adviser. This joint departure came soon after Pirlo announced he was no longer a candidate for the head coach position. Pirlo’s potential appointment had been met with strong opposition due to his commercial connections with a Russian betting firm.
The simultaneous resignations have plunged the FIGC into an immediate crisis under its newly appointed president, Giovanni Malagò. The federation now faces the challenge of defining a clear national team strategy at one of its lowest points in nearly four decades. This situation follows disappointing early exits for Italian clubs in European competitions last season and the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Andrea Pirlo had been Maldini’s preferred choice for the coaching role after Pep Guardiola declined the federation’s initial approach. With Pirlo out of contention, several prominent managers are now being considered for the vacancy, including Roberto Mancini, Thiago Motta, and Antonio Conte.
The FIGC has yet to issue an official response regarding these developments.
