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 leadership search, with former Italy boss Roberto Mancini now widely regarded as the favourite to take the helm. Maldini’s departure comes as FIGC president Giovanni Malagò intensifies the hunt for a successor. While a final decision has yet to be announced, Mancini – who left his post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June – is currently the leading contender.
The former Italy manager, who guided the national side to a historic Euro 2020 triumph over England, served as head coach from 2018 until his resignation in August 2023. His experience and recent success make him an attractive option for a federation eager to restore Italy’s standing after missing out on World Cup qualification for a third straight tournament. Other names have also been mentioned in the media. Antonio Conte, who coached the Azzurri between 2014 and 2016, is reportedly on the shortlist, although the FIGC has not yet made any direct approach to the former national team boss.
In addition, former players and coaches such as Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi and even veteran manager Claudio Ranieri have been floated as possible candidates for the technical director role that Maldini vacated. The chain of events leading to Maldini’s exit began just 16 days after the federation officially announced his appointment, together with his close adviser Leonardo.
The duo had been tasked with spearheading a sweeping overhaul of Italian football following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Their mandate included rebuilding the senior squad, reshaping youth development pathways and restoring Italy’s reputation on the international stage.
The turning point arrived on a Sunday when talks with Andrea Pirlo – who had been the front‑runner after Pep Guardiola declined the job – were abruptly halted. Concerns were raised about Pirlo’s affiliation with the Russian gambling company Fonbet, a link that sparked criticism from some FIGC officials and politicians given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and now manager of United FC in the UAE Pro League, defended the partnership on Instagram, stressing that his agreement with Fonbet was purely commercial and sport‑related and bore no political connotations.
He also announced that he would no longer be a candidate for the Italy job, citing the federation’s decision. Meanwhile, the FIGC had previously engaged in high‑profile negotiations with Pep Guardiola, attempting to persuade the Manchester City legend to succeed Gennaro Gattuso. According to Sky, the federation was prepared to make an extraordinary budget adjustment to secure Guardiola’s services.
Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona presenting a comprehensive "Azzurro project" that envisioned a radical transformation of every national team level, not just the senior side. The proposal aimed to rebuild Italian football on a solid foundation after the nation’s failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup. Despite the ambitious plan, Guardiola declined for personal reasons unrelated to football.
Carlo Ancelotti was also approached before Guardiola, but he is currently under contract with the Brazil national team, making his availability uncertain. With both Guardiola and Ancelotti out of reach, the federation turned its attention back to domestic options, ultimately narrowing the field to Mancini and, to a lesser extent, Conte. The resignation of Maldini and Leonardo underscores the turbulence within the FIGC as it grapples with a leadership vacuum and the pressure to deliver results. Their exit may also signal a shift in the federation’s strategic direction, moving away from the sweeping overhaul envisioned with Guardiola and toward a more conventional appointment in Mancini, who already knows the Italian football landscape intimately.
In addition to the coaching saga, the FIGC is also evaluating candidates for the technical director position. Former defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Giuseppe Bergomi, both respected figures in Italian football, have been mentioned as possible successors. Their experience on the pitch and understanding of the national team’s culture could provide continuity after Maldini’s departure.
The broader context of this upheaval reflects the challenges facing Italian football after a period of underperformance. Missing three consecutive World Cups has prompted calls for structural reform, better youth development, and a clear tactical identity. The federation’s search for a head coach is therefore not just about filling a vacancy but about finding a leader capable of steering the Azzurri back to the elite tier of world football.
As the story develops, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Mancini will accept the role and how the FIGC will rebuild its technical department. The outcome will have significant implications for Italy’s preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the Euro 2024 qualifiers and the long‑term goal of returning to the World Cup stage.