Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are reportedly considering resigning from their positions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just two weeks after being appointed to rebuild the national team, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The potential departures stem from a dispute over the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as the new national team manager. Meetings scheduled for Monday between Pirlo’s representatives and the FIGC have been cancelled following controversy surrounding Pirlo’s links to Fonbet, a Russian sports betting website.
Pirlo has stated that his collaboration with Fonbet is purely “commercial and sporting” and does not involve any political dimension. However, Maldini and Leonardo had reportedly made Pirlo the central figure of their project, envisioning him as a coach who would develop alongside a rebuilding Nazionale.
The duo are said to have accepted their roles with the guarantee of being able to choose the national team manager. If the FIGC ultimately appoints a coach who does not align with their vision, both men may resign from their positions.
Italian media are already speculating about potential alternatives, with Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini mentioned as possible candidates for the managerial role. Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Ranieri, and Silvio Baldini have also been cited as potential figures to reorganize the sporting direction. The situation casts further doubt on Italy’s prospects of qualifying for future major tournaments.
The appointment of Pirlo was seen as a bold move to rejuvenate the national team following a period of underperformance. Pirlo has limited managerial experience, having previously managed Juventus’ under-23 team and a brief stint with Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük. His playing career, however, is legendary, having been a key component of Juventus and Italy’s midfield for over a decade.
