More problems in Italy: Maldini and Leonardo resigned after Pirlo's arrival to the National Team fell through

The institutional crisis in the Italian National Team has added a new chapter. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo submitted their resignation from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just a few days after taking on their roles as national team director and advisor, respectively, following the failed hiring of Andrea Pirlo as the coach of the Azzurra.

Both former footballers had pushed for the arrival of the 2006 World Cup champion and considered him the central piece of the project looking towards the 2030 World Cup. However, the president of the FIGC, Giovanni Malagò, blocked his appointment and caused a definitive break within the new sports structure.

Malagò's decision was linked to the commercial relationship of Pirlo with Fonbet, a Russian betting house of which the former midfielder is a global ambassador. Amid the international sanctions imposed on Russia and the criticisms from various Italian political sectors, the Federation opted not to proceed with his hiring.

The measure halted the planned meetings to formalize the link between Pirlo and the Italian national team, despite there already being a verbal agreement for him to take charge of the team until the 2030 World Cup. In fact, the coach had to resolve his departure from Manchester United before signing with the Azzurra.

In that scenario, Maldini and Leonardo decided to step aside. According to reports, both had ruled out other alternatives for the coaching position and believed that without Pirlo, the sports project lost its meaning.

Amid the controversy, Pirlo himself published a statement to defend himself. "Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my activities strictly complying with the laws of the countries in which I have worked and the contracts I have signed", he expressed.

Additionally, he lamented that his name became embroiled in a political controversy and rejected that interpretation. "Attributing a political meaning to this collaboration would imply attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and that are not mine", he stated. He also thanked Maldini and Leonardo for their support and concluded: "My love for Italy does not depend on a position. It is part of my history, my identity, and will always accompany me".

With the departure of the two executives and no confirmed coach, the FIGC will need to redefine its sports project. Among the candidates that have regained traction are Roberto Mancini, the Euro 2020 champion with the Azzurra, and Antonio Conte, both with experience at the helm of the national team.