Maldini’s Departure and Head Coach Search
Paolo Maldini has resigned from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). His departure comes just 16 days after his appointment was officially announced by the FIGC. The decision follows the federation’s choice not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the next head coach for the Italy national team.
Maldini and his adviser, Leonardo, were brought in to lead a significant restructuring within the FIGC. This initiative followed the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup tournament. The search for a new head coach began after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure from the role.
Concerns Over Pirlo’s Candidacy
The FIGC decided on Sunday that discussions with Andrea Pirlo for the head coach position would not continue. This decision was influenced by concerns regarding Pirlo’s connections to a Russian gambling firm. Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, had been considered a leading candidate for the role.
Pirlo confirmed on Monday that he was no longer in contention to become Italy’s head coach. He addressed the situation on Instagram, stating he learned on Sunday night that he was no longer a candidate. He defended his involvement with the Russian bookmaker Fonbet, with whom he signed an ambassadorial agreement in October, describing the collaboration as exclusively commercial and sporting.
The former Azzurri midfielder, 47, is a global ambassador for Fonbet. This association prompted objections from some FIGC officials and politicians due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pirlo maintained that attributing political meaning to his collaboration with Fonbet was incorrect and did not reflect his beliefs.
Several Italian politicians voiced their concerns regarding Pirlo’s potential appointment. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, stated that Italian football needed a cultural, ethical, and managerial revolution after missing another World Cup qualification, suggesting Pirlo’s choice would go in the opposite direction. Ignazio La Russa, head of the Senate, expressed doubts about Pirlo’s suitability as a coach, despite acknowledging his past as a player. Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, was more direct, asserting that individuals promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office.
Previous Candidates and the Path Forward
Before considering Pirlo, the FIGC had approached other prominent figures for the head coach role. Pep Guardiola was contacted, with the federation reportedly willing to make significant budget adjustments to secure him. Maldini and Leonardo met with Guardiola over three days in Barcelona, presenting a comprehensive ‘Azzurro project’ aimed at rebuilding Italian football, extending beyond just the senior national team to include all national teams. However, Guardiola ultimately declined the offer for personal reasons.
Carlo Ancelotti was also contacted before Guardiola, according to Maldini. However, Ancelotti has a contract with the Brazil national team. Pirlo had been prepared to terminate his contract with UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai to finalize an agreement to become Italy’s head coach.
With Pirlo now out of the running, former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are reportedly being discussed as potential candidates for the vacant position.
Source: skysports.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”