Paolo Maldini and his advisor, Leonardo, were unwilling to hire either Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte, and even their attempt to bring in Thiago Motta ultimately failed, prompting their resignations.
Maldini’s reign as Italy’s technical director lasted only two weeks, as the ex-defender resigned, alongside his advisor Leonardo, on Monday, following the FIGC’s refusal to hire Andrea Pirlo.
According to several sources, Maldini and Leonardo tried to propose ex-Juventus and Bologna coach Thiago Motta, but Malagò also declined the request.
There was a final chat between Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò on Monday, during which the FIGC President tried to convince them to move away from Pirlo and focus on different candidates, especially Conte and Mancini.
the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 at K.V.V Quick ’20 Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, however, Maldini and Leonardo argued that appointing Mancini would raise the same concerns regarding Pirlo, given the way Mancini left in 2023, when he resigned in the middle of the Euro 2024 qualifiers to become the Saudi Arabia national team coach just a few weeks later.
As already explained by Football Italia in our LIVE Show on YouTube, the issue regarding Conte concerned his tendency to switch clubs every two years, which Maldini and Leonardo considered a risk with the 2030 World Cup four years away.
Malagò might confirm the new Italy coach today as the FIGC Council takes place shortly at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT).
Malagò declined to appoint Pirlo because of the negative political reactions related to the former midfielder’s position as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company.
Meanwhile, Maldini and Leonardo perceived this decision as an attempt to undermine their autonomy in decision-making, which ultimately led to their resignation.
