Paolo Maldini has walked away from his role as Italy's technical director after only 16 days, reportedly because the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) rejected his push to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the new national team manager.
Maldini's Brief Tenure
The legendary former AC Milan defender was hired to oversee a major rebuild after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Maldini had advocated for Pirlo, a World Cup winner in 2006, to take over the coaching reins.
According to Sky Italy, the FIGC blocked Pirlo's appointment because of his role as a brand ambassador for the Russian betting company Fonbet. Some federation officials and politicians objected due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Pirlo Speaks Out
Andrea Pirlo expressed his frustration on social media: "After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points. In the last few days I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name." He described his involvement with Fonbet as "strictly commercial and sporting in nature."
Italy's Manager Search Continues
Maldini's resignation leaves the FIGC still searching for a head coach. Pep Guardiola turned down the role for personal reasons, and Carlo Ancelotti chose to remain with Brazil. Gattuso stepped down after Italy finished below Norway in World Cup qualifying and lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the playoffs.
Italy's decline has been stark: they have missed the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups, becoming the first former winner to fail to qualify for three consecutive tournaments. Their Euro 2020 triumph under Roberto Mancini now seems a distant memory.
