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, according to a report from Sky in Italy. The vacancy now appears to be leaning heavily toward former national team boss Roberto Mancini, who is currently the favourite of FIGC president Giovanni Malagò.
Maldini’s resignation, together with that of his close adviser Leonardo, came just 16 days after the federation publicly announced their appointments. Their departure has thrown the FIGC’s search for a new technical director into the spotlight, with several former players and coaches being mentioned as possible successors, including Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi and even veteran manager Claudio Ranieri. The head‑coach shortlist has narrowed considerably.
While Mancini, who left his role at Qatari club Al Sadd in June, is now the leading name, other possibilities such as Antonio Conte – who previously managed the Azzurri from 2014 to 2016 – have not been formally approached. Carlo Ancelotti was also reportedly contacted before the federation turned its attention to Pep Guardiola, but the Spanish tactician declined for personal reasons unrelated to football.
The decision to drop Pirlo from consideration was triggered by concerns over his commercial ties to the Russian betting company Fonbet. Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and former Italian midfielder, serves as a global ambassador for the firm, a relationship that raised objections from some FIGC officials and politicians given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an Instagram post, Pirlo defended his involvement, emphasizing that his contract with Fonbet is purely commercial and sporting, and rejecting any suggestion that it reflects a political stance. He also announced that he would terminate his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he currently manages, should he be appointed to the national team role.
Maldini and Leonardo had been tasked with orchestrating a sweeping overhaul of Italian football after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament. Their vision, presented to Guardiola during a three‑day meeting in Barcelona, involved an ambitious "Azzurro project" that would revamp not only the senior squad but every national team level, laying a new structural foundation for the sport in Italy.
Despite the appeal of such a comprehensive plan, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal considerations. With the head‑coach slot still open, the FIGC is weighing its options carefully. Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory by defeating England in the final, resigned in August 2023 after a five‑year tenure. His experience and recent success make him a logical choice, yet the federation has not yet issued a final decision.
Meanwhile, the technical director role that Maldini vacated remains a hot topic, with former defenders Chiellini and Bergomi, both icons of Italian football, being floated as potential candidates, alongside the seasoned Ranieri. The broader context of these developments underscores the turbulence within Italian football administration.
The federation’s attempts to attract high‑profile managers like Guardiola and Ancelotti reflect a desire to restore prestige after the disappointment of missing the expanded World Cup and the earlier departure of Gennaro Gattuso. The ongoing negotiations, public statements, and media speculation illustrate the complexity of aligning sporting ambition with political sensitivities, commercial interests, and personal career trajectories. As the situation evolves, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Mancini will finally return to the helm, whether a new technical director will be appointed to carry forward Maldini’s reform agenda, and how the FIGC will navigate the delicate balance between sporting excellence and external pressures. The next few weeks are likely to be decisive for the future direction of Italy’s national teams, with the federation striving to rebuild credibility, competitiveness, and a clear strategic vision for the sport at all levels.