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, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The vacancy has quickly attracted interest, and former Italy boss Roberto Mancini now appears to be the favourite to take the helm. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò has taken charge of the search process following Maldini's departure, and he has indicated that Mancini is his top choice. Although a final decision has not yet been announced, Mancini, who left his post at Qatari club Al Sadd in June, is currently the leading contender.
Former national team manager Antonio Conte, who led the Azzurri from 2014 to 2016, is also mentioned as a possible alternative, though the federation has not yet opened direct talks with him. Both Maldini and his trusted adviser Leonardo Bonucci resigned just 16 days after the FIGC officially announced their appointments.
The abrupt exit follows a Sunday decision that talks with Pirlo, Maldini and Leonardo about the head‑coach role would be halted because of concerns over Pirlo’s commercial ties to the Russian betting company Fonbet. Those concerns were amplified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting several officials and politicians to object to his candidacy. The situation unfolded after a series of high‑profile negotiations. Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, had been approached to fill the vacancy left by Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation.
The FIGC was reportedly prepared to make a special budgetary adjustment to accommodate Guardiola’s salary, and Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona meeting the Spaniard. They presented an ambitious “Azzurro project” that would not only revamp the senior national team but also restructure all of Italy’s youth squads, aiming to rebuild Italian football on a more sustainable foundation after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Guardiola ultimately declined the offer for personal reasons unrelated to football, leaving the position open once again. In the meantime, Pirlo announced on his Instagram that he was no longer in contention.
The 47‑year‑old former midfielder, a World Cup winner in 2006, defended his relationship with Fonbet, stressing that the partnership was purely commercial and sporting and bore no political connotation. He added that he had already planned to end his contract with United FC, the UAE Pro League side he was managing, should he have taken the Italy job. Mancini’s résumé makes him a strong candidate.
He previously served as Italy’s head coach from 2018 until August 2023, guiding the national side to a historic Euro 2020 triumph over England. After resigning in 2023, he spent a brief spell at Al Sadd before returning to Italy’s coaching market.
His familiarity with the Italian squad, combined with his recent club experience, positions him as a logical successor. Other names have also surfaced for the technical director role vacated by Maldini.
Former defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Giuseppe Bergomi, as well as veteran manager Claudio Ranieri, are being discussed as possible replacements. Each brings a different perspective: Chiellini and Bergomi offer recent playing experience at the highest level, while Ranieri provides a wealth of managerial expertise.
The broader context of this coaching saga reflects the turmoil within Italian football. After missing out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive tournament, the FIGC has been under pressure to implement sweeping reforms.
The failed attempt to secure Guardiola highlighted the federation’s willingness to think outside the traditional Italian coaching pool, while the Pirlo episode underscored the delicate balance between commercial interests and public perception. In addition to the head‑coach search, the FIGC is also exploring ways to modernise its structures.
The proposed “Azzurro project” would have introduced a unified playing philosophy across all age groups, increased investment in youth academies, and fostered closer collaboration between the senior team and lower‑level squads. Although Guardiola declined, the concepts discussed during his meetings remain on the table and could be adapted for future initiatives under a new technical director.
As the federation continues its deliberations, fans and pundits alike are watching closely. The appointment of a new head coach will not only determine the tactical direction of the national team but also signal the FIGC’s commitment to restoring Italy’s status as a football powerhouse. Whether Mancini ultimately secures the job or another candidate emerges, the next few weeks will be crucial for shaping the future of Italian football. For now, the FIGC remains in a holding pattern, with Malagò overseeing the final stages of the selection process.
The organization has promised transparency and a swift resolution, aiming to give the national team adequate preparation time ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The outcome will set the tone for the next cycle of competitions, including the Euro 2028 qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, should Italy manage to qualify.
In summary, Paolo Maldini’s resignation marks the end of a brief but intense period of restructuring within the FIGC. Roberto Mancini has emerged as the frontrunner for the head‑coach vacancy, while the federation continues to evaluate candidates for the technical director position.
The episode highlights the challenges of balancing sporting ambition with political sensitivities and commercial realities in modern football governance.