Italian football’s latest rebuilding plan has suffered a major setback after Paolo Maldini and Leonardo stepped down from their senior roles at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just over two weeks after taking charge.

Maldini had been appointed as FIGC technical director and president of Club Italia, while former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain executive Leonardo joined as his advisor. The duo had been tasked with shaping a unified football philosophy across Italy’s senior and youth national teams, with a long-term vision reportedly extending through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. However, the project came to an unexpected end only 16 days after it began.

Andrea Pirlo decision triggers exit

The resignations followed a disagreement over the appointment of Italy’s next head coach. Maldini and Leonardo had identified Andrea Pirlo as their preferred choice after attempts to bring in Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola did not materialise.

The situation changed when FIGC president Giovanni Malagò decided against appointing Pirlo. Following final discussions that failed to bridge the differences, Maldini and Leonardo informed the federation that they would leave their positions.

The decision effectively ended a project designed to reshape Italian football before its first major appointment could be completed.

Andrea Pirlo
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Andrea Pirlo | X [GOAL]

Authority concerns behind the resignations

The disagreement extended beyond the choice of head coach. According to reports, Maldini and Leonardo believed the federation had not given them the decision-making authority they had been promised when accepting their roles.

They had been recruited to oversee Italy’s sporting direction, select the next national team coach and establish a long-term technical identity for the Azzurri.

Pirlo was viewed as the candidate who best matched that vision, with his football philosophy aligning with their preference for a more possession-based and technically progressive style.

When the federation blocked that appointment, the pair reportedly concluded they could no longer carry out the responsibilities they had been brought in to perform.

Pirlo controversy complicated Italy coaching search

Malagò’s decision was influenced by more than football matters. Pirlo had faced increasing criticism because of his commercial association with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. His appearances at promotional events in Russia attracted scrutiny amid Italy’s continued support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The debate also focused on whether Italy’s national team coach should maintain a commercial partnership with a betting company. Although reports suggested Pirlo’s agreement included clauses allowing him to end the partnership if he returned to work in Italy, the controversy made his appointment increasingly difficult for the federation.

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Pirlo later defended the arrangement, describing it as a commercial agreement that did not represent his political beliefs. He also thanked Maldini and Leonardo for backing his candidacy.

Other coaching options considered

Before settling on Pirlo as their preferred candidate, Maldini and Leonardo had explored moves for Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. Ancelotti remained committed to Brazil, while Guardiola reportedly chose not to return to coaching immediately after leaving Manchester City.

A possible compromise involving former Juventus coach Thiago Motta was also discussed during the process. Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte continue to be linked with the Italy job, although reports indicate neither was considered the ideal fit for the long-term football project designed by Maldini and Leonardo.

Italy’s rebuild faces fresh uncertainty

The departures leave the Italian Football Federation searching for both a permanent head coach and new technical leadership. The federation must now decide whether to appoint a new technical director before naming the next Italy manager or move directly to filling the coaching vacancy.

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Former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini has emerged as one of the names linked with a senior role inside the federation, while Roberto Mancini remains among the leading coaching candidates.

What began as an ambitious plan to rebuild Italian football over the next four years has come to an abrupt halt. With Maldini and Leonardo gone and the head coach position still vacant, Italy’s efforts to reshape its national team structure have once again entered a period of uncertainty.

FAQs

Why did Paolo Maldini and Leonardo leave the FIGC?

They resigned after a disagreement with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò over Andrea Pirlo’s proposed appointment as Italy head coach.

Who could become Italy’s next head coach?

Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are among the leading candidates linked with the Italy coaching vacancy.