Italian football continues to fall into crisis after Paolo Maldini and Leonardo simultaneously resigned from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) due to not being approved for the plan to appoint Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the national team.
The Italian national team has remained vacant in the head coach position since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, after a defeat that caused Azzurri to miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The FIGC's appointment of Maldini as Technical Director and Leonardo as advisor more than two weeks ago was expected to open a period of reconstruction for Italian football.
Previously, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were both mentioned as potential candidates. However, Maldini and Leonardo agreed to choose Andrea Pirlo, a legend who won the 2006 World Cup with the Italian national team.
This plan quickly faced opposition after information emerged that Pirlo had a trade relationship with Russian betting company Fonbet. After meeting FIGC President Giovanni Malago, Maldini and Leonardo decided to resign immediately.
Speaking on social media, Pirlo expressed disappointment at not being given the opportunity to lead the national team: "In recent days, I have followed with bitterness the debates surrounding my ability to become the head coach of the Italian national team.
The 46-year-old former midfielder affirmed that all of his professional activities are in accordance with the law and signed contracts: "The controversial trade agreement signed during my time working in the UAE is completely professional and sporty. Assigning it political significance is not reflecting my point of view.
Pirlo also regretted that a purely professional decision became a topic of controversy, leading to many speculations about his motives and personal views.
In that context, Roberto Mancini, who once brought Italy to win EURO 2020, emerged as the brightest candidate for his second term as head coach. However, the task of reviving the national team after a long series of defeats will not be easy.
Closing his message, Pirlo thanked Maldini and Leonardo for the trust that the two legends had in him.
My love for Italy does not depend on any role. It is a part of my history and identity, and will always be so" - Pirlo said.
