New scandals in Italy: Maldini and Leonardo resign

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their positions at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just days after being appointed. According to reports, the two are leaving the project due to serious disagreements regarding the choice of a new head coach for the Italian national team.

The position of technical director, which Maldini held, was created by the new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò with the idea of providing greater autonomy and a clear structure for the "Azzurri". The role of Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo included uniting the various youth formations and academies and building a new identity for Italian football.

The scandal surrounding the choice of head coach

The first choices for the head coach position were big names like Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, but both rejected the offer to lead the national team. Thus, attention shifted to Andrea Pirlo, who according to Italian media was the third candidate and the favorite of Maldini and Leonardo.

The appointment of Pirlo, however, was blocked after it became clear that he is a global ambassador for a Russian betting company. This collaboration caused concerns within the FIGC leadership, which ultimately refused to approve him as head coach of the "Azzurri".

Escalation and resignations

Tension escalated after reports emerged that Giovanni Malagò had personally blocked Pirlo's appointment, in contradiction with the vision of Maldini and Leonardo for the future of the national team. Disagreements over who should be the next head coach deepened, and the two decided to leave, refusing to support other coaching options.

According to Italian media, Maldini and Leonardo have already notified the federation president of their decision, and an official announcement is expected by the end of the day. Thus, their stint in the leadership of Italian football ends just about two weeks after their appointment, despite preliminary agreements and the ambitious reform project.

What is next for the "Azzurri"

The resignations of Maldini and Leonardo add a new layer to the crisis in Italian football, which continues following the national team's failures and the difficulties in choosing a new head coach. Italian media are already speculating that Maldini's place as technical director could be taken by Giorgio Chiellini – a former national team defender, considered someone who could unite the locker room and the management.

Meanwhile, the FIGC will have to continue the search for a new coach for the national team. Among the discussed names are Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, as well as other experienced specialists, who could take over the "Azzurri" at a moment of tension and need for change.