Why Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Resigned From Italy’s FIGC Over Andrea Pirlo Decision

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo’s resignations from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have plunged Italian football into fresh uncertainty only 16 days after the pair took charge of the country’s long-term rebuilding project. Their departures followed a breakdown in trust with federation president Giovanni Malagò over the decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy’s next head coach.

Why Did Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Resign?

Maldini was appointed as FIGC Technical Director and President of Club Italia, while former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain executive Leonardo joined as his senior advisor. Together, they were tasked with creating a unified football philosophy for Italy’s senior and youth national teams through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

However, the project collapsed after FIGC president Giovanni Malagò decided against appointing Andrea Pirlo as Italy’s new manager. Pirlo had emerged as Maldini and Leonardo’s preferred candidate after attempts to recruit Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola proved unsuccessful.

Following unsuccessful discussions with Malagò, both Maldini and Leonardo resigned from their positions, ending the federation’s rebuilding project just 16 days after it began.

Andrea Pirlo Rejection Triggered the Fallout

The disagreement extended beyond Pirlo’s coaching credentials. Maldini and Leonardo reportedly believed they had been promised full authority over sporting decisions, including selecting Italy’s next head coach.

The pair viewed Pirlo as the ideal candidate to introduce a modern, possession-based style of football and guide Italy into a new era after recent international disappointments.

Malagò, however, refused to approve the appointment due to concerns surrounding Pirlo’s commercial relationship with Fonbet, a Russian betting company. Pirlo’s promotional appearances in Russia drew criticism from politicians and public figures amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, creating significant political and reputational concerns for the federation.

Although reports suggested Pirlo could terminate the commercial agreement if he returned to Italian football, the controversy ultimately prevented his appointment.

Pirlo Responds After Missing Italy Job

Following the collapse of his candidacy, Andrea Pirlo expressed disappointment and clarified that his agreement with Fonbet was purely commercial and unrelated to his political beliefs. He also thanked Maldini and Leonardo for supporting his appointment as Italy head coach.

Who Could Become Italy’s Next Head Coach?

With Maldini and Leonardo gone, the FIGC must now restart its search for both a technical leadership team and a permanent national team manager.

Former Juventus coach Thiago Motta was reportedly discussed as a compromise option, while Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have also been linked with the vacant position. Meanwhile, former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini has emerged as a potential candidate for a senior administrative role within the federation.

Italy’s Rebuilding Project Ends Before It Truly Began

What was designed as a long-term plan to restore Italy’s international success has collapsed before the appointment of a permanent head coach. The resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo leave the Italian Football Federation facing renewed uncertainty as it attempts to rebuild following another disappointing World Cup cycle.

The federation must now decide whether to appoint a new technical director before selecting the next Italy manager or proceed directly with hiring a head coach, making the coming weeks crucial for the future direction of Italian football.