Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are prepared to step down from their roles within the Italian Football Federation if president Gabriele Malagò refuses to back their vision for Italy's next head coach. The crisis centres on the candidacy of Andrea Pirlo, whose appointment as Commissario Tecnico has sparked internal conflict just weeks into the federation's rebuild.
Crunch Meeting in Rome Today
A critical meeting between Malagò, Maldini, and Leonardo is scheduled to take place in Rome today, according to reporting from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The outcome will determine whether the technical director and his adviser continue their work restructuring the Italy national team or abandon the project entirely. Malagò must present his choice of head coach to the Federal Council by tomorrow, making today's discussions decisive for Italian football.
The federation president has argued that Pirlo's appointment conflicts with ethical standards required for the role, citing appropriateness concerns. However, Maldini and Leonardo view Pirlo as central to their broader strategy, which extends beyond managerial selection to include overhauling youth development systems and securing qualification for the 2030 World Cup—Italy's primary objective after missing consecutive World Cups.
Contingency Plans in Place
Should Maldini and Leonardo resign, Malagò has already identified Giorgio Chiellini as a replacement technical director. The federation president would then select either Roberto Mancini or Antonio Conte as head coach, both experienced managers capable of leading Italy's recovery. This two-pronged succession strategy underscores the scale of institutional instability within Italian football following recent World Cup qualification failures.
The resolution of today's meeting will shape Italy's direction over the coming years. If Maldini and Leonardo remain, Pirlo's appointment may yet proceed; if they depart, a completely different leadership structure takes hold. Either way, Italian football faces significant uncertainty as it attempts to rebuild credibility and competitive strength ahead of 2026 World Cup qualification.
