Italy football crisis 2.0: Maldini quits as director just 16 days after joining

Italy's plans to rebuild its national football team have suffered another major setback. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resigned from their technical roles just 16 days after taking charge, leaving the FIGC searching for fresh leadership once again.The former Italy captain stepped down alongside adviser Leonardo amid growing turmoil. (Photo: Reuters)Italy's attempt to reset its national football project has suffered another major setback, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resigning from their technical roles at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just 16 days after taking charge. The surprise exits have plunged the four-time world champions into fresh uncertainty as they continue their search for a new head coach and a pathway back to the FIFA World Cup.Maldini, one of Italy's greatest defenders, was appointed FIGC technical director on July 11 as part of a sweeping overhaul following another failed World Cup qualification campaign. Former Brazil international Leonardo joined him as an adviser, with the duo tasked with rebuilding a national team that has missed the last three editions of football's biggest tournament.However, Sky Sport Italia reported on Monday that both have decided to step down, dealing a significant blow to newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malago before the federation's rebuilding process could even begin.One of Maldini's immediate responsibilities was identifying a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who vacated the Italy coaching role earlier this month. Instead, the federation now finds itself searching not only for a national team manager but also for the people meant to oversee that appointment. PIRLO EXIT LEAVES ITALY BACK TO SQUARE ONEThe resignations come only hours after Andrea Pirlo confirmed he was no longer in contention to become Italy's next head coach.Pirlo had emerged as Maldini's preferred choice after Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the federation's approach. But the World Cup-winning midfielder's candidacy became increasingly controversial because of his commercial partnership with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. In a statement on social media, Pirlo said he had been informed on Sunday that he was no longer under consideration. He defended the agreement, insisting it was purely commercial and complied with the laws of every country in which he has worked.His association with the company, including appearances at Fonbet events in Moscow, drew criticism from sections of the Italian football establishment and lawmakers amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. As opposition mounted, the federation moved away from his appointment, leaving Italy's coaching search back at square one.ANOTHER SETBACK IN ITALY'S LONG ROAD BACKThe departures of Maldini and Leonardo have compounded what has become one of the darkest periods in modern Italian football.After failing to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups, Italy had hoped the arrival of Maldini would mark the beginning of a long-term rebuild centred around technical stability and a clear sporting vision. Instead, the project has unravelled before it could properly begin.The federation is now left without a technical leadership structure and without a head coach, placing even greater pressure on Malago to restore confidence in the national setup. With qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup now the overriding priority, the FIGC must quickly identify a new direction after another dramatic twist.Several high-profile names, including Roberto Mancini, Thiago Motta and Antonio Conte, have already been linked with the vacancy. But after the collapse of the Pirlo candidacy and the unexpected exits of Maldini and Leonardo, Italy's search for stability has become considerably more complicated.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Jul 28, 2026 11:22 IST