Maldini and Leonardo Walk Away After 16 Days

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have stepped down from their roles at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) only 16 days after being appointed to lead a rebuilding of the men’s national team. Their resignations, reported by Sky Sport Italia, follow the collapse of a plan to install former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo as head coach.

Maldini, the legendary AC Milan defender, was named technical director on 11 July with a clear remit: restore credibility to a side that failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. He was joined by Leonardo, the former Brazil international, as his adviser. Together they were expected to name a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who had left the coaching post vacant.

The dual departure creates an immediate leadership void for new FIGC president Giovanni Malago. It leaves the federation without a clear strategy just as Italian football confronts one of its bleakest periods in decades—following early European exits by club sides and the continued absence from the men’s World Cup.

Why Italy’s Coaching Overhaul Collapsed This Quickly

How Pirlo’s Candidacy Unraveled

Pirlo, who was Maldini’s preferred choice, withdrew his name after fierce opposition emerged over his existing commercial deal with a Russian betting company. The sponsorship clash became politically untenable inside the FIGC, forcing the federation’s technical leadership into an impossible corner. Without their lead candidate, the project Maldini and Leonardo had agreed to deliver was effectively dead.

A Blow to Malago’s Reform Agenda

Giovanni Malago took the FIGC presidency this month promising a fresh start. The immediate exit of two high-profile appointments undercuts that narrative and raises questions about the federation’s ability to attract top football minds. Maldini and Leonardo were seen as symbols of a no-nonsense, internationally respected reboot; their rapid departure exposes deeper instability in the governance of Italian football.

Who Is Actually in the Frame Now?

With Pirlo out and Pep Guardiola having already declined an approach, the FIGC is reportedly considering Roberto Mancini, Thiago Motta and Antonio Conte. But the speed at which the Maldini-led plan collapsed will not make the job more attractive to candidates who can command club roles elsewhere.