Paolo Maldini has stepped down from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after the governing body decided not to move forward with Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the Azzurri, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The resignation comes as the federation intensifies its search for a successor, with former national team boss Roberto Mancini now emerging as the favourite for the job. The FIGC, led by president Giovanni Malagò, has taken charge of the recruitment process following Maldini's departure.
Mancini, who left his recent post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June, is currently the most prominent name on the shortlist. Although a final decision has yet to be confirmed, his track record – including a Euro 2020 triumph over England during his five‑year spell from 2018 to 2023 – makes him a compelling candidate.
Other names have also been floated. Antonio Conte, who managed Italy between 2014 and 2016, remains a possible option, although the federation has not yet opened formal talks with the former Azzurri coach. Meanwhile, the search for a new technical director to replace Maldini has seen the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi and veteran manager Claudio Ranieri mentioned as potential successors. Maldini’s exit was swift.
Both he and his trusted adviser, former striker Leonardo, resigned just 16 days after the FIGC publicly announced their appointments. The abrupt departure follows a Sunday decision to halt discussions with Pirlo – who had been the federation’s preferred candidate – because of concerns about his commercial ties to a Russian gambling company, Fonbet. Those links sparked criticism from several FIGC officials and politicians, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and now a coach of United FC in the United Arab Emirates, posted an Instagram statement to clarify his position. He explained that his relationship with Fonbet, signed in October, was purely commercial and sporting, and that he had never expressed any political views related to the partnership. He stressed that attributing political meaning to the sponsorship was inaccurate and that his career, both as a player and a coach, has always been conducted in full compliance with the laws of the countries where he worked. The saga also reveals the federation’s earlier attempts to secure a high‑profile manager.
Before turning to Pirlo, the FIGC engaged in talks with Pep Guardiola, who had been approached to replace Gennaro Gattuso after the latter’s departure. According to Sky, the federation was prepared to make an extraordinary budget adjustment to attract the Manchester City legend. Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona meeting with Guardiola, presenting a comprehensive vision that went beyond a simple coaching contract. Their proposal envisioned Guardiola as the cornerstone of an "Azzurro project" aimed at overhauling Italian football from the senior national team down through all youth levels, especially after Italy’s failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. The federation then turned its attention to Carlo Ancelotti, who was also contacted, but he remains committed to his role with the Brazil national team. With both Guardiola and Ancelotti unavailable, the FIGC’s focus shifted back to domestic options, leading to Pirlo’s brief candidacy and subsequent withdrawal.
Maldini’s resignation underscores the turbulence within the FIGC after Italy missed out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive tournament. The federation had brought in Maldini and Leonardo to spearhead a major restructuring, hoping to restore Italy’s status on the international stage. Their departure leaves a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the organization seeks to rebuild credibility and chart a new strategic direction.
In the meantime, Roberto Mancini’s name continues to dominate discussions. His previous tenure delivered the historic Euro 2020 victory, and his experience managing top‑level squads could provide the stability the federation craves.
Yet the decision remains pending, with the FIGC weighing all possibilities before announcing a final appointment. Overall, the situation reflects a period of significant flux for Italian football administration. From the aborted negotiations with Guardiola and the controversy surrounding Pirlo’s sponsorship to the resignation of high‑profile technocrats like Maldini and Leonardo, the FIGC is navigating a complex landscape as it strives to assemble a leadership team capable of reviving the Azzurri’s fortunes and laying the groundwork for future success.