Paolo Maldini Resigns After Italy’s Latest Coaching Crisis
Italy's plans for a major rebuild have suffered another setback after Paolo Maldini and Leonardo reportedly resigned from their roles with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Their departures came just 16 days after Maldini was appointed technical director, following the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's expected appointment as Italy head coach.
Maldini and Leonardo Leave FIGC
Maldini joined the FIGC on July 11 as part of an overhaul designed to revive Italy after a third successive failure to qualify for the World Cup. The former Italy and AC Milan defender was tasked with helping shape the national team's sporting direction and identifying a successor to Gennaro Gattuso.
Leonardo, Maldini's former AC Milan teammate, was brought in as an adviser. The pair quickly focused on finding a coach capable of leading Italy into the next World Cup qualifying cycle and rebuilding the four-time world champions.
However, their plans reportedly unravelled when Pirlo was ruled out of contention for the head coach position. Sky Sport Italia reported that Maldini and Leonardo subsequently decided to resign, although the FIGC had not immediately confirmed the departures.
Pirlo's Candidacy Collapses
Pirlo had emerged as Maldini's preferred candidate after the federation's approaches to Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti did not result in appointments. The former Italy midfielder was reportedly close to taking the job before concerns surrounding his commercial relationship with Russian betting company Fonbet intensified.
Pirlo confirmed on Monday that he was no longer being considered for the position. He said he had been informed of the decision the previous evening and defended his work with Fonbet as exclusively commercial and sporting.
The controversy followed criticism from several Italian politicians, who questioned whether someone associated with a Russian company should hold a prominent role within Italy's national team. Pirlo also appeared at a Fonbet event in Moscow earlier this year, further increasing scrutiny of his relationship with the bookmaker.
Italy's Latest Crisis
The turmoil comes at a difficult time for Italian football. The Azzurri have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, including this year's expanded tournament, despite their status as four-time world champions.
Gattuso left his position after Italy's 2-1 defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in April. That result triggered another period of uncertainty around the national team and contributed to the wider federation overhaul that brought Maldini into the technical director role.
Maldini's brief tenure now appears to have ended before he could implement his plans. The reported double resignation also leaves FIGC president Giovanni Malagò facing another major decision over the federation's sporting leadership.
What's Next for Italy?
The FIGC must now restart its search for a head coach while also addressing the leadership vacuum created by Maldini and Leonardo's reported departures. Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are among the experienced names being discussed, while Thiago Motta has also been linked with the vacancy.
Italy's next competitive fixtures are scheduled for September and October in the Nations League. The Azzurri are due to face Belgium, Turkey and France, including two meetings with France.
Whoever takes charge will inherit a team desperate to restore its international reputation. Italy's next coach will also become the country's fourth manager in as many years, highlighting the instability surrounding the national side.