Paolo Maldini has stepped down from his post 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 Sports Italy. The vacancy now appears to be dominated by former national team boss Roberto Mancini, who is being touted as the federation's preferred choice. The search for a replacement is being overseen by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who has taken charge of the process following Maldini's abrupt departure.
While a final decision has yet to be confirmed, Mancini – who left his position at Qatari club Al Sadd in June – has emerged as the front‑runner. His previous stint as Italy manager, which lasted just over five years from 2018 to 2023, included a historic triumph at Euro 2020, where his side defeated England in the final.
Mancini resigned in August 2023 after a mixed run of results, but his reputation for restoring confidence to the national side remains strong. Another name that continues to circulate is Antonio Conte, the former Azzurri manager from 2014 to 2016. Although he is mentioned as a possible alternative, the federation has not yet opened direct negotiations with the former club‑level champion. The lack of contact suggests that Conte is still being evaluated rather than actively pursued.
Maldini’s resignation, together with that of his close advisor Leonardo, came just 16 days after the FIGC publicly announced their appointments. The pair had been recruited to spearhead a sweeping reform of Italian football after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third straight tournament – a humiliation that prompted calls for a radical overhaul of the sport’s structures in Italy. The decision to halt talks with Pirlo was taken on Sunday after concerns emerged regarding his association with a Russian gambling company, Fonbet. The link sparked objections from several FIGC officials and politicians who argued that, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, any affiliation with a Russian entity could be politically sensitive.
Pirlo, a 47‑year‑old World Cup winner from 2006, responded on Instagram, emphasizing that his relationship with Fonbet was purely commercial and sporting, and denying any political motive. He also announced that he would no longer be a candidate for the coaching role and that he intended to terminate his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he currently manages, in order to focus on his ambassadorial duties.
In parallel, the federation had been in contact with Pep Guardiola, who was considered a dream appointment after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure left the job vacant. According to Sky Italy, the FIGC was prepared to make a substantial budgetary adjustment to secure Guardiola’s services. Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona meeting the former Manchester City manager, presenting a comprehensive vision that went beyond a simple coaching contract. Their proposal envisioned Guardiola as the centerpiece of an "Azzurro project" designed to rebuild Italian football from the grassroots up, encompassing all national teams and aiming to restore Italy’s standing after the failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. The exact nature of those reasons was not disclosed, but the decision closed the door on what many saw as a potentially transformative era for the Azzurri. Before approaching Guardiola, the FIGC had also reached out to Carlo Ancelotti, but his commitments to the Brazil national team made him unavailable.
With the Guardiola option off the table, the federation’s attention has sharpened on Mancini. His recent experience in the Middle East, coupled with his proven track record in European competition, makes him a compelling choice for a nation eager to regain its competitive edge.
Should Mancini accept, he would be tasked with rebuilding a squad that missed out on the 2026 World Cup, integrating a new generation of talent while preserving the tactical identity that has historically defined Italian football. Meanwhile, the role of technical director – the position vacated by Maldini – is also under consideration. Former Italy greats such as Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi and seasoned coach Claudio Ranieri have been mentioned as possible successors.
Each candidate brings a distinct perspective: Chiellini offers the defensive solidity that has long been Italy’s hallmark, Bergomi provides a bridge between the golden era of the 1980s and today’s modern game, and Ranieri adds a wealth of managerial experience across multiple leagues. The broader context of this leadership reshuffle reflects a period of introspection for Italian football. After missing out on consecutive World Cups, the FIGC is keen to implement structural changes that will foster youth development, improve coaching standards, and restore the national team’s reputation on the world stage. The selection of a head coach and technical director will therefore have implications far beyond immediate match results; it will shape the strategic direction of the sport in Italy for years to come.
Fans and pundits alike are closely watching the unfolding drama. Social media platforms are abuzz with speculation, while former players and analysts weigh in on the merits of each candidate. The ultimate decision will likely hinge on a combination of tactical philosophy, ability to manage high‑pressure environments, and the capacity to navigate the political sensitivities that have already influenced the selection process.
In summary, Paolo Maldini’s resignation marks the end of a brief but ambitious attempt to revitalize Italian football from the top. With Roberto Mancini emerging as the frontrunner for the head coach vacancy, and several distinguished former players vying for the technical director post, the FIGC stands at a crossroads. The choices made in the coming weeks will determine whether Italy can reclaim its status as a football powerhouse or continue to grapple with the challenges that have kept it out of the world’s biggest tournament for the third successive cycle.