Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles with the Italian Football Federation less than three weeks after taking charge, according to several Italian media reports.
Maldini, who served as technical director, and Leonardo, who worked as an adviser, reportedly decided to step down after the federation dropped its plan to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy’s next head coach.
Pirlo had been one of the leading candidates for the job. However, the federation moved away from appointing him after criticism over his links with Russian betting company Fonbet.
The resignations have left Italy’s search for a new coach in fresh uncertainty. Reports say former Italy manager Roberto Mancini is now the leading candidate to return to the national team. Antonio Conte also remains in the race.
Italian media also claim the federation is considering former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini for the role of technical director if Maldini’s exit is confirmed.
The federation must now decide whether to appoint a new sporting leadership team before choosing the next head coach.
Maldini and Leonardo were appointed earlier this month as part of a major rebuild following Italy’s recent struggles.
Italy are looking for a new manager after Gennaro Gattuso left the role following the team’s penalty defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in April. The next coach will prepare the team for the UEFA Nations League, where Italy will face France, Belgium and Turkey, before turning attention to Euro 2028 qualification.
The latest developments have added more uncertainty to Italian football as the federation continues its search for both new leadership and a new national team coach.
