Paolo Maldini Resigns as Italy Technical Director After 16 Days Amid National Team Coaching Turmoil

Paolo Maldini has resigned as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just 16 days after taking up the role, bringing an abrupt end to his involvement in the federation’s ambitious restructuring project following a dispute over the appointment of Italy’s next head coach. Maldini was appointed to modernize Italy’s football structure after earning widespread praise for helping rebuild AC Milan, where he played a central role in assembling the squad that won the 2021-22 Serie A title.

According to Sky in Italy, Maldini and his adviser Leonardo decided to step down after the FIGC rejected their preferred candidate, Andrea Pirlo, leaving the federation searching once again for leadership both on and off the pitch.

The latest upheaval comes during one of the most turbulent periods in recent Italian football history. Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and then missed out again on the expanded 2026 tournament, prompting the FIGC to launch a sweeping overhaul of its football structure after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure as head coach.

Roberto Mancini Emerges as Leading Candidate

Following Maldini’s resignation, FIGC president Giovanni Malago has assumed responsibility for the coaching search, with former Italy boss Roberto Mancini now considered the frontrunner for the position. 

Mancini represents continuity, having already rebuilt the national team once after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His familiarity with the federation and many senior players makes him the lowest-risk appointment during a period of instability. Mancini guided Italy to UEFA Euro 2020 glory, defeating England at Wembley, and compiled an impressive record during his five-year spell in charge between 2018 and 2023. Under his leadership, the Azzurri enjoyed a historic 37-match unbeaten run, the longest in international football at the time, before he resigned in August 2023. After leaving Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd in June, the 61-year-old is currently available and viewed as the federation’s preferred option.

Antonio Conte, who previously managed Italy between 2014 and 2016 before moving to Chelsea, also remains under consideration, although no formal discussions have reportedly taken place.

Meanwhile, the FIGC is evaluating replacements for Maldini as technical director, with Italian football legends Giorgio Chiellini, Giuseppe Bergomi and Claudio Ranieri all reportedly among the candidates.

Andrea Pirlo Ruled Out Over Commercial Partnership

Pirlo had initially emerged as the leading choice after Pep Guardiola declined the opportunity to take charge of the national team. However, negotiations were halted after concerns were raised over his commercial partnership with Russian bookmaker Fonbet.

The 47-year-old, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, currently manages UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai and signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October. The relationship sparked criticism from some federation officials and politicians because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Responding through social media, Pirlo insisted the partnership was purely commercial and fully compliant with applicable laws.

He stressed that his professional activities had always respected the legal frameworks of the countries in which he had worked and rejected suggestions that the agreement reflected any political position. Pirlo also revealed he had learned he was no longer under consideration for the Italy job before publicly addressing the controversy.

Guardiola and Ancelotti Both Declined Italy Approach

Before Pirlo became the preferred candidate, the FIGC made ambitious attempts to recruit Pep Guardiola.

Maldini and Leonardo reportedly spent three days in Barcelona presenting a long-term vision that extended beyond coaching the senior national team. The proposal outlined a comprehensive football project in which Guardiola would oversee the development of Italy’s entire national team structure, from youth levels through to the senior side, with the aim of rebuilding Italian football after consecutive World Cup qualification failures.

Despite listening carefully to the federation’s proposal, Guardiola ultimately declined the offer for personal reasons unrelated to football.

The FIGC had also explored the possibility of appointing Carlo Ancelotti earlier in the process, but the highly decorated manager remains under contract with Brazil and was unavailable.

Italy’s search for a permanent head coach now enters another critical phase, with the federation also needing to appoint a new technical director after Maldini’s short-lived tenure. The coming weeks are expected to shape the future direction of one of international football’s most successful nations, which boasts four FIFA World Cup titles but is now seeking a route back to consistent success after years of decline.

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