Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 28 Jul 2026
Maldini and Leonardo resign after FIGC rejects Pirlo
Italy's technical director quit after just two weeks over a coaching dispute.

Who
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo
What
Resigned as Italy technical director and advisor
Why
FIGC refused to hire Andrea Pirlo as coach
When
Monday
What happened. Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo resigned after the FIGC rejected their proposal to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy coach.
- Maldini and Leonardo also proposed Thiago Motta, but he was declined.
- They opposed hiring Conte or Mancini due to concerns over stability.
- FIGC President Malagò may announce a new coach on Tuesday.
The FIGC Council meets Tuesday to potentially confirm a new Italy coach.
In this story
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