Italian football has been plunged into fresh chaos following the sensational resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo just 16 days into their tenure. The high-profile duo decided to walk away from the FIGC project after the federation blocked their chosen candidate for the national team job, Andrea Pirlo.
Resignations rock the Italian federation
Maldini and Leonardo have decided to resign from their roles with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), as reported by Sky Sport Italia. The move comes just days after both figures had agreed to take on their positions as part of a major overhaul of the national team’s management structure.
Maldini was appointed technical director of the FIGC on July 11, tasked with helping rebuild the national side following its failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Among his first responsibilities was identifying a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, whose departure had left the head coach position vacant. However, Maldini stepped down just 16 days into the role, alongside Leonardo, the former Brazil international who had been brought in to serve as his adviser.
Pirlo’s withdrawal triggers the fallout
The decision to resign came shortly after former Italy international Pirlo announced he was no longer a candidate for the national team job, following fierce opposition over his commercial ties to a Russian betting company. His prospective appointment had become increasingly untenable in the days leading up to his withdrawal, with the controversy generating significant backlash across Italian football and media circles.
Pirlo had been Maldini’s primary choice to take charge after Pep Guardiola had already turned down the federation’s initial approach. That left Maldini with few obvious alternatives lined up, and it now appears the collapse of the Pirlo appointment was enough to prompt both men to walk away from their newly created roles entirely.
