Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their positions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just 16 days after their appointment, following a bitter dispute over the selection of a new national team head coach. The pair stepped down on Monday after FIGC President Giovanni Malagò blocked their preferred candidate, Andrea Pirlo, and rejected their alternative proposal of Thiago Motta, leading Maldini to conclude that their decision-making authority had been fundamentally undermined.
The Coaching Dispute
The disagreement centred on the identity of Roberto Mancini’s successor, with Maldini and Leonardo championing Pirlo for the role. However, Malagò declined to appoint the former midfielder due to negative political reactions surrounding Pirlo’s position as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company. According to Corriere della Sera, Maldini felt betrayed by the decision, believing the controversy provided a convenient political excuse to block Pirlo’s appointment while centralising authority with the president.
When Malagò instead pushed for either Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini, the technical directors proposed Thiago Motta as a compromise candidate. This suggestion was also dismissed, prompting their resignations. Sources indicate that Malagò told Maldini during 24 hours of intense discussions: “Pirlo was an unfortunate decision, but I am the president and, at this point, I take responsibility and I make the decision.”
Objections to Conte and Mancini
Maldini and Leonardo opposed the return of both Conte and Mancini for distinct sporting reasons. They resisted Mancini’s candidacy due to the manner of his 2023 departure, when he resigned during Euro 2024 qualifying to become Saudi Arabia’s national team coach shortly after. Regarding Conte, they were concerned by his history of switching clubs every two years, viewing this instability as a significant risk with the 2030 World Cup four years away.
Fallout and Next Steps
The former AC Milan defender reportedly informed Pirlo on Sunday evening that he would not receive the appointment, before both he and Leonardo submitted their resignations. The pair cited compromised decision-making autonomy as their primary reason for departure, with Maldini quoted as stating: “They do not want change.”
The swift collapse leaves the FIGC without technical leadership at a crucial juncture. With the federation now forced to restart its search for both a technical director and a head coach, the episode raises serious questions about the balance of power within Italian football’s governing body and whether future appointments will possess genuine authority over sporting decisions.