Earthquake in Italy! Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Resign from the Federation
The project designed to restore Italy to football's elite has suffered a dramatic setback. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly stepped down from the Italian Football Federation just weeks after taking charge of its sporting rebuild.
Italy's New Project Falls Apart
Italy's rebuilding process has suffered a major blow before it even had a chance to get underway.
Just 16 days after being appointed to oversee the sporting direction of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly decided to step down, throwing the federation back into uncertainty as it looks to restore the Azzurri's status on the international stage.
The Andrea Pirlo Situation Triggered the Split
The main source of tension reportedly centered around the appointment of Italy's next head coach.
Maldini and Leonardo strongly supported Andrea Pirlo as their preferred candidate to lead the national team. However, concerns within the federation over Pirlo's commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet ultimately derailed his appointment.
After learning he was no longer under consideration, Pirlo publicly thanked both Maldini and Leonardo for their support, highlighting the internal divisions that had emerged within the federation.
The Federation Must Start Over
During a meeting held on Monday, FIGC officials reportedly acknowledged that the sporting project designed by Maldini and Leonardo had effectively collapsed following the disagreement over the coaching appointment.
According to those involved in the discussions, the departures of both executives force the federation to restart its long-term planning and begin a new search for the people who will lead Italy's footballing rebuild.
As of now, neither the federation nor the two former executives has officially confirmed the resignations.
Chiellini and Mancini Emerge as Leading Candidates
With uncertainty growing around the Italian national team, new names have already begun to surface.
Multiple reports suggest Giorgio Chiellini could replace Paolo Maldini as technical director, while Roberto Mancini has emerged as the leading candidate to return as Italy's head coach.
After failing to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups, the Azzurri now face yet another period of instability, forcing the federation to rebuild a project that had barely begun.
