Key Takeaways:
- Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their FIGC positions following disagreements regarding the selection of Italy’s new head coach
- The duo’s tenure lasted just 16 days, having been officially appointed on July 11
- Tensions arose after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola rejected offers and a legal issue ruled out Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy
Leadership Changes at the FIGC
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have submitted their resignations from roles at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), as reported by Sky Sport Italia, ending their involvement only 16 days after taking up the positions. Their brief spell comes in the wake of disputes over the appointment of Italy’s national team manager.
🚨🇮🇹 Paolo Maldini and Leonardo RESIGN from their roles as Italy Federation technical director and advisor.
Decision to leave the project just 10 days after joining due to president Malagò being against appointing Andrea Pirlo as new head coach for Italian national team.
The… pic.twitter.com/UYEtFJCjRw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Background: New Direction for Italian Football
The technical director position at Club Italia was newly established by the incoming Federation President, Giovanni Malagò. His aim was to grant greater independence and a modernised framework to the national team setup, while forging cohesion across youth levels and building a renewed identity within Italian football.
Selection Hurdles and Growing Discord
Efforts to name the next head coach encountered difficulties when Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, both leading candidates, declined the opportunity. Andrea Pirlo emerged as a subsequent option; however, his candidacy was swiftly dismissed due to his role as a global brand ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet. This connection posed both moral concerns and legal complications, since advertising gambling is outlawed in Italy.
Reports indicate that Giovanni Malagò intervened to veto Pirlo’s appointment, despite opposition from Maldini and Leonardo. The ongoing disagreements on coach selection reportedly intensified strain within the leadership group.
Rapid Departure Confirmed
Amid escalating tensions, Sky Sport Italia have revealed that both Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo opted to step down. Their appointments, which followed extensive negotiations and discussions about the future blueprint for Italian football, commenced on July 11.
