The Italian Football Federation witnessed a surprising development after both AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and 1994 World Cup winner Leonardo decided to leave their positions within the Italian national team just 16 days after their appointments.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Maldini was the technical director of the Italian Football Federation, while Leonardo worked as his advisor, before they decided to leave in light of the crisis that accompanied the appointment of the new national team coach.
The resignation of the pair is linked to the controversy surrounding the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as national team coach, after his nomination faced objections due to his business partnership with a Russian betting company, which ultimately led to his name being excluded from the race to take over the job.
After the Pirlo option faltered, Roberto Mancini became the leading candidate to return to coaching the Italian national team, having previously led the "Azzurri" between 2018 and 2023, while reports indicate that Giorgio Chiellini is a candidate to take over as technical director of the Italian Football Federation, succeeding Maldini.
