Off the PitchFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 27 Jul 2026
Simonelli: Maldini and Leonardo resignations 'in the air'
Serie A chief reveals he learned of the resignations from TV, not from the federation.
Who
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo
What
Resigned from Italy roles
When
Reportedly after Andrea Pirlo was blocked from becoming Italy coach
Where
Italy national team setup
What happened. Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli said he learned from television that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo had resigned from their Italy roles, though it was not entirely unexpected.
- Maldini had chosen Andrea Pirlo as new Italy coach, but Pirlo was blocked.
- FIGC President Malagò left meeting via different exit to avoid reporters.
- Roberto Mancini is now likely to be appointed Italy coach.
“We learned about Maldini and Leonardo’s resignation from the television.”
— Ezio Simonelli
FIGC President Malagò is expected to name Roberto Mancini as new Italy coach soon.
In this story
D. MaldiniMore to read
Daily Mail Football
Pep Guardiola was 'writing line-ups down' but rejected the Italy job because of 'EXHAUSTION', reveals Paolo Maldini
GiveMeSport
Sir Alex Ferguson Preferred Paolo Maldini Over Messi and Zidane
Football Italia
Maldini claims Guardiola was already drafting formations for Italy: ‘Money wasn’t an issue’
Football Italia
Maldini reveals all about his 17 days in the Italy set-up: ‘A shame, a real shame’
