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 marks a significant shift in the federation’s search for a successor to the coaching role, and Roberto Mancini has quickly become the favorite name on the shortlist. The FIGC’s president, Giovanni Malagò, has taken charge of the recruitment process following Maldini’s departure, and he has repeatedly signaled that Mancini is his preferred candidate. Although a final decision has yet to be formally announced, Mancini – who left his post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June – is now the leading contender for the job.
His previous tenure as Italy’s head coach, which lasted a little over five years from 2018 to 2023, includes the memorable triumph at Euro 2020, where Italy defeated England in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out. Mancini resigned in August 2023 after a mixed spell that ended with the national team failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Other names that have been floated include former Azzurri boss Antonio Conte, who led Italy from 2014 to 2016. While Conte remains a possible option, the federation has not yet opened direct negotiations with him.
In the broader picture, the FIGC is also weighing several candidates for the technical director vacancy left by Maldini, with former defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Giuseppe Bergomi, as well as experienced coach Claudio Ranieri, mentioned as potential successors. Maldini’s exit was swift and decisive. He and his close advisor, former Italy star Leonardo Bonucci, resigned just 16 days after the FIGC officially announced their appointments. The catalyst for their departure was the decision made on Sunday to halt discussions with Pirlo and his team because of concerns about Pirlo’s affiliation with a Russian gambling company, Fonbet.
The link to a Russian bookmaker raised political and ethical questions, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting several FIGC officials and politicians to object to Pirlo’s candidacy. Andrea Pirlo, the 47‑year‑old former midfielder and World Cup winner in 2006, publicly announced that he was no longer in contention for the head‑coach role. In an Instagram post, Pirlo explained his side of the story, emphasizing that his work – both as a player and now as a coach – has always respected the laws of the countries where he has operated and the contracts he has signed.
He clarified that his partnership with Fonbet, signed in October, is purely commercial and sporting, and that attributing a political motive to this relationship would be inaccurate. Pirlo also noted that he would be terminating his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he currently manages, should he have taken up the Italian job.
The saga also includes the name of Pep Guardiola, who was approached by the FIGC after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure left the coaching vacancy open. According to Sky, the federation was prepared to make an “exceptional adjustment” to its budget to secure Guardiola’s services.
Over a three‑day period in Barcelona, Maldini and Leonardo met with the former Manchester City manager, presenting a comprehensive vision that went beyond a simple coaching appointment. Their proposal envisioned Guardiola as the centerpiece of an "Azzurro project" designed to rebuild Italian football from the ground up, involving not only the senior national team but all age‑group squads. The plan aimed to address the systemic issues that led to Italy missing out on the expanded 2026 World Cup for the third consecutive tournament. However, Guardiola ultimately declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football.
Carlo Ancelotti was also reportedly contacted before Guardiola entered the picture, but he is currently under contract with the Brazil national team, making him unavailable. Meanwhile, the FIGC continues to explore all avenues, balancing sporting ambition with the political sensitivities that have emerged in recent weeks. In summary, Paolo Maldini’s resignation signals a new chapter for the Italian federation.
Roberto Mancini stands as the front‑runner to return to the bench, while the technical director role is expected to be filled by a distinguished former player or seasoned coach. The controversy surrounding Andrea Pirlo’s sponsorship ties has underscored the growing importance of off‑field considerations in high‑profile appointments. As the FIGC finalises its decisions, Italian fans await the announcement of a new leadership team that can restore the Azzurri to the elite level they once enjoyed, and perhaps guide them back to the World Cup stage after a painful period of absence.