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 Sports Italy. The vacancy now appears to be in the sights of former Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who is being touted as the favourite for the role. The search for a successor is being overseen by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who has indicated that Mancini is his top choice.
While a final decision has yet to be confirmed, Mancini – who left his post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June – is currently the most prominent name in the running. Former national team manager Antonio Conte, who led Italy from 2014 to 2016, is also mentioned as a possible contender, although the federation has not yet opened direct talks with him. Maldini’s departure was swift. Both he and his adviser, former player and coach Leonardo, quit just 16 days after the FIGC formally announced their appointments.
The resignation came after a Sunday meeting in which the board decided not to continue negotiations with Pirlo, whose candidacy had been jeopardised by concerns over his affiliation with a Russian gambling company. The decision sparked a flurry of media coverage, including a promotion for the Sky Sports app and a reminder to follow the Transfer Centre LIVE for the latest Premier League news.
Maldini and Leonardo were originally recruited to spearhead a massive overhaul of the Italian national set‑up after the Azzurri missed out on World Cup qualification for the third straight tournament. Their mandate was to inject fresh ideas and rebuild the structures that support all Italian teams, from the senior side down to the youth levels.
In that context, the federation also explored the possibility of hiring Pep Guardiola, who ultimately declined the offer. Guardiola had been approached to replace Gennaro Gattuso, whose tenure ended earlier this year, and the FIGC was reportedly prepared to stretch its budget to accommodate the Catalan’s salary demands.
During a three‑day meeting in Barcelona, Maldini and Leonardo presented Guardiola with a comprehensive "Azzurro project" – a blueprint that would have seen the Spanish manager act as the cornerstone of a long‑term transformation of Italian football. The plan went beyond a simple coaching contract; it envisaged a complete restructuring of the senior squad, the youth teams, and the overall playing philosophy, aiming to restore Italy to a position of competitive relevance after the recent World Cup snub. Guardiola listened attentively but ultimately turned the proposal down for personal reasons unrelated to football. With Guardiola out of the picture, the federation turned back to Pirlo, who had become the leading candidate after the Guardiola option collapsed.
However, Pirlo’s relationship with the Russian bookmaker Fonbet raised eyebrows among officials and politicians, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 47‑year‑old former World Cup winner, who now serves as a global ambassador for Fonbet, defended his commercial partnership in an Instagram post, stressing that his work has always respected the laws of the countries in which he operates and that the agreement was strictly commercial and sporting. He added that attributing political motives to his sponsorship was unfounded, noting that he had no intention of expressing any political convictions. Pirlo’s candidacy was further complicated by his managerial duties at United FC in the United Arab Emirates, a club he was set to leave in order to take up the Italian job.
In his Instagram statement, he explained that after learning he was no longer being considered, he felt compelled to clarify the situation and address the "bitterness" he observed in the public debate surrounding his name. Meanwhile, the FIGC is also evaluating candidates for Maldini’s vacated technical director role. Names such as former defender Giorgio Chiellini, legendary former full‑back Giuseppe Bergomi, and experienced coach Claudio Ranieri have been mentioned as possible successors, each bringing a different blend of playing pedigree and managerial experience to the table.
In addition to Mancini, other high‑profile coaches have been approached. Carlo Ancelotti was reportedly contacted before the federation turned to Guardiola, but Ancelotti is currently under contract with the Brazil national team, making a move to Italy impractical at this stage. Mancini’s résumé makes him a compelling option.
He previously served as Italy’s head coach from 2018 until August 2023, guiding the squad to a historic Euro 2020 triumph over England before resigning following a series of disappointing performances. His familiarity with the national set‑up, combined with his recent experience in Qatar, positions him as a strong candidate to steer the Azzurri back to the elite of European football.
The broader context of this coaching saga underscores the challenges facing the FIGC. After failing to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup, the federation is under pressure to deliver a clear vision and tangible results.
The search for both a head coach and a technical director reflects a desire to rebuild not only the senior team but also the entire pipeline of talent that feeds it. As the selection process continues, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Mancini secures the job, whether a new technical director will be appointed, and how the FIGC will address the lingering issues of sponsorship ethics, budget constraints, and the need for a cohesive footballing philosophy across all age groups. The outcome will shape the future of Italian football for years to come.