The Italian national football team’s rebuilding efforts have faced a significant blow as Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their positions within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) merely 16 days after their appointments. This unexpected development has intensified the uncertainty surrounding the four-time world champions as they continue their search for a new head coach and a path back to the FIFA World Cup.

Maldini, a revered figure in Italian football and regarded as one of the country’s greatest defenders, was named FIGC technical director on July 11, 2026. This decision was part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the national team following its failure to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time. Leonardo, a former Brazil international, joined Maldini as an adviser, tasked with aiding in the reconstruction of the team.

Reports from Sky Sport Italia on Monday indicated that both Maldini and Leonardo opted to step down, posing a substantial challenge for the newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malago before the anticipated rebuilding process could properly commence.

Coaching Search Complicated by Pirlo’s Exit

The resignations occurred shortly after Andrea Pirlo announced that he was no longer a candidate for the head coaching position of the national team. Pirlo had been considered Maldini’s preferred choice after Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the FIGC’s approach for the role. However, Pirlo’s association with Russian bookmaker Fonbet led to growing criticism and controversy surrounding his potential appointment.

In a statement shared on social media, Pirlo revealed that he had been notified on Sunday that he was no longer in contention for the position. He defended his partnership with Fonbet, asserting that it was solely commercial and complied with regulations across all countries where he has worked. Nonetheless, opposition from segments of the Italian football community and lawmakers intensified amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, ultimately leading the federation to withdraw from considering Pirlo.

The combination of Maldini and Leonardo’s resignations, along with Pirlo’s exit, has left the FIGC in a challenging position as it returns to square one in its quest for a new head coach.

Challenges Ahead for the Italian Football Federation

The unexpected departures mark another chapter in what is already regarded as a particularly difficult period for Italian football. The hope had been that Maldini’s involvement would signify the start of a meaningful rebuilding effort focused on establishing technical stability and a coherent sporting vision. Instead, the project appears to be derailing even before its initiation.

Currently, the federation lacks both a technical leadership structure and a head coach, increasing the pressure on Malago to restore and reinforce confidence in the national setup. With the imperative of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup looming large, the FIGC faces an urgent need to quickly determine a new strategy following these unforeseen developments.

Several prominent figures, such as Roberto Mancini, Thiago Motta, and Antonio Conte, have already been associated with the head coach vacancy. However, with the collapse of Pirlo’s candidacy and the sudden departures of Maldini and Leonardo, the search for stability within Italian football has become considerably more complex, leaving the federation with considerable challenges ahead.

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