Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign from Italian football federation

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have officially resigned from their positions within the Italian national football team setup. Their departure follows reports of significant internal friction with the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago, regarding the selection process for a new federal coach.

Tensions peaked after the rejection of Andrea Pirlo as a candidate for the coaching position. Maldini, serving as technical director, reportedly felt that promises of autonomy in decision-making were not honored by the federation leadership. Despite attempts by Malago to retain the pair and reassure them about the long-term strategic plan for the national team, both men formally submitted their resignations on July 28, 2026.

The exit of Maldini and his close associate Leonardo leaves a major void in the administrative and technical structure of the Italian federation. This development significantly alters the federation's plans for staff renewal and creates uncertainty regarding the recruitment process for the next head coach, as the original roadmap has effectively collapsed.