Maldini, Leonardo resign from Italy federation after Pirlo coaching plan collapses

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their positions within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), marking a dramatic turn in the ongoing search for a new head coach for the national team. The pair stepped down just days after Andrea Pirlo, their preferred candidate, withdrew from consideration for the role. Their departures come amid mounting pressure on the FIGC following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup and a string of poor performances by domestic clubs in Europe. Maldini was appointed technical director of the FIGC on July 11, tasked with leading efforts to rebuild the national team after the disastrous World Cup qualification campaign. He worked closely with Leonardo, a former star player for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, who served as his advisor. Together, they were meant to spearhead a restructuring of the federation’s technical framework, focusing on youth development and long-term planning. However, their tenure lasted less than a month, ending abruptly on July 27 when both announced their resignations. The resignation follows Pirlo’s withdrawal from the race to coach Italy. Pirlo, a former captain of the national team and a decorated midfielder, had been Maldini’s top choice after Pep Guardiola turned down the opportunity. Pirlo’s potential appointment had drawn controversy due to his association with a Russian betting firm, prompting backlash from fans and officials alike. His exit removes a key figure from the equation, leaving the FIGC scrambling to find a replacement. The situation has deepened the crisis facing Italian football, which is experiencing one of its worst periods in modern times. The failure to qualify for the World Cup, coupled with early exits by Italian clubs in European competitions last season, has exposed systemic issues in the country’s football infrastructure. The FIGC, under new president Giovanni Malago, faces immense challenges in restoring confidence and stability to the national team. Efforts to secure a new coach began earlier this summer when the FIGC explored options beyond Pirlo. According to Maldini, the federation first approached Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of the Brazilian national team, before reaching out to Guardiola. Ancelotti, a former teammate of Maldini at AC Milan, declined the offer, choosing to stay with Brazil despite their recent World Cup exit. This paved the way for discussions with Guardiola, who ultimately rejected the proposal, citing personal reasons and financial demands. Guardiola’s refusal has forced the FIGC to consider alternatives. Names such as Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, and Thiago Motta have emerged as possible candidates. Conte, who previously led Italy to the 2020 European Championship, is viewed as a safe option given his familiarity with the national team environment. Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory, has also been mentioned, though his return would require careful handling given his recent departure from Inter Milan. Leonardo emphasized the need for a coach who can implement a comprehensive technical program aimed at revitalizing both the senior squad and the youth academies. The focus is on developing a sustainable model that addresses the lack of homegrown talent and the reliance on foreign players. With Maldini and Leonardo stepping down, the FIGC must now navigate this transition without clear leadership, compounding the difficulties ahead. The resignation of Maldini and Leonardo adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Italian football. Without a clear direction, the federation risks further decline, particularly with the upcoming European Championships looming on the horizon. The search for a new coach continues, but the absence of a unified vision threatens to delay progress and deepen the existing crisis.