Maldini And Leonardo Walk Out As Italy’s Rebuild Unravels

• Maldini and Leonardo resign just 16 days after joining the FIGC overhaul
• Pirlo withdraws from Italy job amid backlash over Russian betting sponsor
• Attention swings back to Conte and Mancini as search turns chaotic

Italy’s grand reset has hit the skids. In a stunning turn, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have walked away from their new posts at the FIGC barely a fortnight after stepping in, according to Sky Sport Italia. It’s the sort of boardroom churn that shouts mixed messages and muddled planning—and it leaves the Azzurri’s rebuild wobbling before it’s even begun. Expect punters to be scanning football betting sites UK for the latest odds on who tries to steady this ship.

Maldini And Leonardo Go, And The Blueprint Goes With Them

Maldini was installed as technical director on 11 July, charged with leading a top-to-bottom reboot after recent World Cup qualifying failures. Sixteen days later, he’s out. Leonardo, brought in as his senior adviser, has also departed. Whatever the vision was, it clearly hasn’t survived first contact with reality. If you’re ripping up the plan before the ink’s dry, the problem isn’t just who’s coaching—it’s who’s calling the shots.

Pirlo Fallout And The Coaching Carousel

Compounding the chaos, Andrea Pirlo confirmed on Instagram he’s no longer in contention for the national team role. The move comes amid political pressure over his sponsorship with Russian bookmaker Fonbet, a relationship critics argued clashed with Italy’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Pirlo insisted the deal was purely commercial and linked to his UAE job, but the optics proved too heavy a drag.

Let’s be honest: Pirlo’s stock as a manager remains debated after mixed spells at Juventus and Sampdoria. He only emerged as a frontrunner after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declined approaches, and now the spotlight reportedly swings back to familiar hands in Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. What Italy need most isn’t a headline name—it’s clarity: a decisive appointment, a coherent football identity, and leadership that won’t change with the wind.

Right now, the FIGC must stop the revolving door. Appoint the manager, empower him, and set the course. Until then, the Azzurri’s biggest opponent isn’t a rival nation—it’s their own indecision.

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