Paolo Maldini has stepped down from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after the federation decided not to move forward with Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach, Sky Italy reported. The resignation comes amid a turbulent period for the Azzurri, who have been searching for a stable leadership after missing out on World Cup qualification for a third straight tournament. Roberto Mancini has now become the favourite for the vacant coaching job, according to the same Sky source. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò is overseeing the selection process following Maldini's departure, and he has indicated a strong preference for Mancini, who left his post at Qatari side Al Sadd in June.
While no final decision has been announced, Mancini is currently the front‑runner. Former national team boss Antonio Conte, who led Italy between 2014 and 2016, is also mentioned as a possible contender, although the federation has not yet opened formal talks with him.
Both Maldini and his adviser, former striker Leonardo Bonucci, quit just 16 days after the FIGC publicly confirmed their appointments, underscoring the rapid pace of the upheaval. The decision to halt discussions with Pirlo was taken on Sunday after concerns surfaced about his affiliation with a Russian gambling company, Fonbet. The link raised political and ethical questions, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting several FIGC officials and politicians to object to his potential appointment. Maldini and Leonardo were recruited in late 2023 to spearhead a sweeping reform of the Italian football structure after the national side failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and subsequently missed the expanded 2026 edition.
Their mandate was to modernise the federation, rebuild the senior team, and create a coherent pathway for youth squads. In parallel, the federation had also approached Pep Guardiola, who had been linked to the job since the departure of Gennaro Gattuso.
Guardiola reportedly declined the offer for personal reasons unrelated to football, despite the FIGC’s willingness to stretch its budget to accommodate his salary demands. According to Sky, Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona meeting with Guardiola, presenting a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that would have placed the former Manchester City manager at the centre of a complete overhaul of Italian football – not only the senior side but also the under‑21, under‑19 and other age‑group teams.
The proposal envisioned a long‑term cultural shift, aiming to restore Italy’s status as a global football powerhouse. After Guardiola turned down the role, the federation turned its attention back to Pirlo. The former midfield maestro, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, had been the leading candidate until his ambassadorship with Fonbet became a stumbling block. Pirlo, now 47, defended his commercial partnership in an Instagram post, stating that his work with the bookmaker was strictly business‑related and bore no political connotations.
He emphasized that throughout his playing and coaching career he had always respected the laws of the countries where he operated and the contracts he signed. Pirlo’s Instagram statement read: "After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I feel it is necessary to clarify a few points.
In recent days I have watched with great bitterness the debate surrounding my name and the possibility of taking over the role of head coach of the Azzurri. Throughout my career, first as a football player and now as a coach, I have always acted in full compliance with the laws of the countries I have worked in and the contracts I have signed." He added that attributing a political meaning to his partnership with Fonbet was inaccurate, as the agreement was purely commercial and sporting.
While Pirlo prepared to terminate his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he was managing, the FIGC continued to explore other options. Carlo Ancelotti was reportedly contacted before Guardiola, but he is currently under contract with the Brazil national team, making him unavailable. Other names floated for the technical director role that Maldini vacated include former defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Giuseppe Bergomi, as well as veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, all of whom bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Mancini’s résumé makes him a compelling choice. He previously served as Italy’s head coach from 2018 to 2023, guiding the squad to a historic Euro 2020 triumph, where Italy defeated England in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out. His tenure ended in August 2023 after a series of disappointing results, but his familiarity with the Italian football system and his proven ability to win major trophies keep him at the forefront of the shortlist.
The broader context of this coaching saga reflects the challenges facing Italian football. After a period of decline that saw the Azzurri miss consecutive World Cups, the federation is under pressure to deliver a clear vision, restore national pride, and ensure competitive performances on the international stage. The appointment of a high‑profile coach, whether it be Mancini, Conte, or another seasoned manager, will be a pivotal step in that direction. In addition to the coaching search, the FIGC is also contemplating a revamp of its technical leadership.
The potential involvement of figures like Chiellini, a former captain and World Cup winner, or Bergomi, a veteran defender with decades of experience, signals a desire to blend on‑field expertise with administrative acumen. Claudio Ranieri, known for his tactical flexibility and experience across several leagues, could also bring a fresh perspective to the technical director role. The federation’s outreach to top‑tier managers such as Guardiola and Ancelotti demonstrates its ambition to attract world‑class talent capable of reshaping the national program. Although those negotiations have not borne fruit, they illustrate the lengths to which the FIGC is willing to go to secure a transformative figure.
As the selection process continues, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely. The next head coach will inherit a squad in transition, a youth pipeline that needs better integration, and a nation eager for a return to glory.
Whether Roberto Mancini ultimately secures the job or another candidate emerges, the appointment will mark a critical juncture in Italy’s footballing renaissance. The story remains fluid, and updates are expected in the coming weeks as the FIGC finalises its decision and announces the next chapter for the Azzurri.