Paolo Maldini has announced his resignation from the position of technical director at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), a move that follows the federation's decision not to move forward with Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the Azzurri, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The vacancy at the helm of the national side now appears to be leaning heavily toward former Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who has emerged as the favourite candidate in the ongoing search.
The FIGC, under the leadership of President Giovanni Malagò, is spearheading the recruitment process after Maldini's departure. While a final appointment has not yet been confirmed, Mancini—who left his role at Qatari club Al Sadd in June—has consistently been mentioned as the front‑runner. His previous tenure as Italy’s head coach, which spanned just over five years from 2018 to 2023, included the remarkable triumph at Euro 2020, where Italy defeated England in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out.
Mancini stepped down in August 2023, and his name has resurfaced as the most viable option to restore stability after a period of turmoil. Another name that has surfaced in the conversation is Antonio Conte, who previously managed the national team from 2014 to 2016. Although he remains a possible candidate, the federation has not yet established direct contact with the former Azzurri boss, leaving his candidacy speculative at this stage.
Both Maldini and his close advisor, former player Leonardo Bonucci, tendered their resignations just 16 days after the FIGC publicly announced their appointments. Their exit follows a Sunday decision to halt discussions with Pirlo, whose potential appointment was blocked due to concerns about his affiliation with the Russian betting company Fonbet. The controversy stemmed from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting several FIGC officials and politicians to question the suitability of a coach linked to a Russian gambling firm.
The situation was further complicated when Pirlo, a 47‑year‑old World Cup winner from 2006, used his Instagram platform to address the issue. He clarified that his partnership with Fonbet, signed in October, was strictly commercial and sporting, and he rejected any political interpretation of the relationship. Pirlo also announced that he would no longer pursue the Italy job and would instead focus on his current role as manager of United FC in the United Arab Emirates.
In the background, the FIGC had been actively courting Pep Guardiola for the vacant position ever since Gennaro Gattuso’s departure. According to Sky, the federation was prepared to make an extraordinary budgetary adjustment to secure Guardiola’s services. Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona meeting the former Manchester City manager, presenting a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that envisioned a total overhaul of Italian football—from senior national team structures to youth development pathways. The proposal aimed to rebuild the sport on a solid foundation after Italy failed to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup, marking a third consecutive miss.
Despite the ambitious plan, Guardiola declined, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. With Guardiola out of the picture, the federation also approached Carlo Ancelotti, but he remains committed to his role with the Brazil national team. Meanwhile, other former Italian greats such as Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi, and seasoned coach Claudio Ranieri have been mentioned as possible successors to Maldini’s technical director role. The broader context of this managerial saga reflects a period of upheaval for Italian football.
The Azzurri’s failure to reach the 2022 World Cup, followed by a similarly disappointing qualification campaign for the 2026 tournament, has triggered calls for a systemic revamp. The FIGC’s strategy appears to focus on appointing a high‑profile, experienced coach who can not only deliver immediate results but also lay the groundwork for long‑term success across all national teams. Mancini’s potential return is viewed by many analysts as a pragmatic choice.
His familiarity with the Italian squad, his proven track record in major tournaments, and his ability to work within the constraints of the Italian football system make him a logical candidate. Yet, the federation must also consider the expectations of fans and the media, who are eager for a fresh direction after years of disappointment.
In summary, Paolo Maldini’s resignation marks the end of a brief but intense attempt to inject new leadership into the FIGC. The search for a head coach now centers on Roberto Mancini, with Antonio Conte and other seasoned Italian football personalities remaining in the mix.
The controversy surrounding Andrea Pirlo’s alleged conflict of interest has highlighted the delicate balance between commercial partnerships and public perception in modern football. As the FIGC continues its quest for a visionary leader, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Italy can restore its status as a European powerhouse and finally secure qualification for the upcoming World Cup.