Paolo Maldini resigns after just 16 days as Italy's coaching crisis deepens following Andrea Pirlo rejection

Italian football has been plunged into fresh turmoil after Paolo Maldini resigned as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) only 16 days after taking the role, with adviser Leonardo also stepping down amid the federation's chaotic search for a new national team manager.

The departures come after the FIGC decided not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy head coach, despite the World Cup-winning midfielder being the preferred candidate of Maldini and Leonardo.

Maldini's ambitious project ends almost immediately

Maldini and Leonardo had been appointed to spearhead a major overhaul of Italian football following the Azzurri's shocking failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Their mission was to rebuild every level of the national team structure, beginning with the appointment of a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso's departure.

However, disagreements over the federation's final decision on Pirlo quickly brought the project to an abrupt end.

Pirlo ruled out over Russian betting links

Andrea Pirlo had emerged as the leading candidate after Pep Guardiola declined the opportunity to take charge of the national team.

But the FIGC ultimately decided not to proceed with negotiations after concerns were raised about Pirlo's commercial relationship with Russian bookmaker Fonbet.

The 47-year-old signed an ambassadorial agreement with the company last October, prompting criticism from several federation officials and political figures because of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Pirlo defends his position

Following the collapse of his candidacy, Pirlo publicly defended his reputation and insisted his partnership with Fonbet had no political significance.

The former Italy midfielder explained that his agreement with the company was purely commercial and sporting in nature and stressed that throughout both his playing and coaching career he had always respected the laws of every country in which he worked.

Pirlo also rejected suggestions that his personal business activities reflected any political views.

He currently remains head coach of United FC in the UAE Pro League.

Guardiola rejected Italy's ambitious proposal

Before turning to Pirlo, the FIGC made an ambitious attempt to convince Pep Guardiola to become Italy's next national team manager.

According to reports, Maldini and Leonardo spent several days meeting Guardiola in Barcelona, presenting a long-term vision that extended well beyond coaching the senior national team.

The proposal would have placed Guardiola at the centre of a complete restructuring of Italian football, overseeing the development of all national teams.

Despite listening carefully to the project, Guardiola ultimately declined for personal reasons unrelated to football.

Ancelotti also unavailable

The federation had previously explored the possibility of appointing Carlo Ancelotti.

However, the veteran coach remains under contract with Brazil and was therefore unavailable to take charge of the Azzurri.

With Guardiola rejecting the role and Pirlo eliminated from contention, Italy now finds itself back at square one in its search for a new manager.

Italian football faces fresh uncertainty

The resignations of Maldini and Leonardo represent another major setback for the FIGC during one of the most difficult periods in the nation's football history.

Italy's failure to qualify for the last three World Cups has intensified pressure for sweeping reform, but the federation now faces renewed uncertainty after losing the very figures it appointed to lead that transformation.

Finding a new head coach—and restoring stability behind the scenes—has become an even more urgent challenge as the Azzurri attempt to rebuild their reputation on the international stage.