Paolo Maldini has announced his resignation from the position of technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), a move that comes after the federation decided not to move forward with Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the Azzurri. According to Sky Sport Italy, the vacancy now appears to be in the hands of former national team manager Roberto Mancini, who is being touted as the federation's favourite for the role.
The search for a successor to Pirlo is being overseen by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who has indicated that Mancini is his top choice. While no final decision has been taken, Mancini – who left his post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June – is currently the most prominent name on the shortlist. Former Italy boss Antonio Conte, who led the national side from 2014 to 2016, is also being mentioned as a possible candidate, although the federation has not yet opened formal talks with him. Maldini’s departure, together with that of his close adviser Leonardo, comes just 16 days after the FIGC officially announced their appointments.
The duo had been brought in to spearhead a major overhaul of the Italian football structure after the Azzurri missed out on World Cup qualification for a third straight tournament. Their exit signals a fresh wave of uncertainty for the federation as it continues to search for a new technical direction.
The decision to halt discussions with Pirlo was taken on Sunday after concerns were raised about his affiliation with a Russian gambling company, Fonbet. The link to the bookmaker, which operates in a country currently involved in the war in Ukraine, sparked objections from several FIGC officials and politicians who feared the association could be politically sensitive. In a personal Instagram post, Pirlo – a 2006 World Cup winner and now manager of United FC in the United Arab Emirates – defended his commercial relationship with Fonbet.
He wrote that his work has always complied with the laws of the jurisdictions in which he has operated and that the partnership was purely commercial and sporting. He added that attributing any political meaning to the deal was inaccurate and that he had never expressed the convictions being ascribed to him.
Pirlo’s withdrawal from the race leaves the head‑coach vacancy open once more. The position has remained unfilled since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down, and the federation has explored a number of high‑profile options. Pep Guardiola was approached and reportedly would have required a special budget amendment to join the project, but he ultimately declined for personal reasons unrelated to football. Carlo Ancelotti was also contacted, but he is currently under contract with the Brazil national team.
Maldini and Leonardo had spent three days in Barcelona meeting with Guardiola, outlining a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that would have gone far beyond a simple coaching appointment. Their vision involved a complete restructuring of Italian football, encompassing not only the senior national team but also all youth and women’s squads, with the aim of rebuilding the sport on a more solid foundation after the disappointment of missing the expanded 2026 World Cup.
With Mancini now the frontrunner, the federation is looking at a candidate who already knows the pressures of leading the national side. Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, guiding the team to a historic Euro 2020 triumph over England before resigning in August 2023.
His experience, combined with his familiarity with the Italian football landscape, makes him a logical choice for the federation’s next chapter. Meanwhile, the technical director role that Maldini vacated is also under consideration.
Former defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Giuseppe Bergomi, as well as veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, have been mentioned as possible successors. Each brings a different perspective: Chiellini and Bergomi offer recent playing experience at the highest level, while Ranieri provides a wealth of managerial expertise. The broader context of these changes reflects a period of turbulence for Italian football. The Azzurri’s failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups has prompted a reevaluation of everything from youth development pathways to senior team tactics.
The FIGC’s leadership is under pressure to deliver a coherent plan that restores confidence among fans, sponsors, and the broader football community. In addition to the coaching saga, the federation is also navigating commercial and political challenges. The controversy surrounding Pirlo’s link to a Russian bookmaker underscores the delicate balance football bodies must strike between securing sponsorship revenue and maintaining ethical standards, especially in a climate where geopolitical tensions can quickly influence public perception. As the FIGC continues its search, the next few weeks will be crucial.
Should Mancini accept the role, he will inherit a team in transition, tasked with rebuilding morale and implementing a long‑term strategy that can deliver consistent results on the international stage. If the federation decides to look elsewhere, it will need to identify a candidate capable of both immediate impact and sustained development, while also navigating the complex commercial landscape that modern football presents. For now, the Italian football community watches closely, awaiting official confirmation from the FIGC on who will ultimately take the helm of the national side and who will assume the technical director responsibilities left vacant by Maldini’s exit. The outcome will shape the direction of Italian football for years to come.