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Maldini details FIGC coaching search and resignation

Overview

Following the appointment of Roberto Mancini as head coach on 28 July 2026, former technical director Paolo Maldini has provided clarity regarding his abrupt resignation. Maldini stated his departure, which occurred only 16 days into his tenure, was driven by a breakdown in trust with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò concerning the coaching selection process.

Maldini revealed that while he and advisor Leonardo had an agreement to select the coach subject to Malagò’s approval, the terms were reportedly revised. He noted that although there were no legal barriers to appointing Andrea Pirlo, public outcry and political pressure regarding Pirlo’s ties to a Russian betting firm served as a “pretext” to block him. Maldini emphasized he resigned because the conditions to perform his duties with the “agreed-upon independence” no longer existed.

Further details emerged regarding the failed pursuit of Pep Guardiola. Maldini disclosed that Guardiola was “very tempted” and had even begun writing down lineups during discussions in Barcelona. Despite being willing to accept a lower salary, Guardiola ultimately declined the role due to exhaustion following a decade in the Premier League and a recent back surgery. This follows a previously unsuccessful attempt to recruit Carlo Ancelotti as the federation sought to stabilize the national team for the 2030 World Cup cycle.

In the wake of Mancini’s appointment, Ezio Maria Simonelli, president of Lega Serie A, confirmed that top-flight clubs had expressed a preference for Antonio Conte over Mancini. Simonelli noted that while Mancini was Malagò’s choice, the preference for Conte had been communicated on several occasions. He has since called for unity, stating all parties must support Mancini to return the national team to its deserved level.

Entities

Giovanni Malagò · Paolo Maldini · Roberto Mancini · Andrea Pirlo · Claudio Ranieri

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Sergey Lomakin denied any link between himself, United FC and Fonbet and requested a correction."

    vs

    "Sergey Lomakin, a Russian billionaire, owns United FC Dubai and has direct links to Fonbet."

    One claim says Sergey Lomakin owns United FC and has direct links to Fonbet, while the other alleges Lomakin denied any link between himself, United FC and Fonbet; both cannot be true simultaneously.

  • "Andrea Pirlo is no longer a candidate for the Italy national team head coach role."

    vs

    "Andrea Pirlo is being considered for the role of Italy national football team head coach."

    The first claim states that Andrea Pirlo is being considered as the Italy national team head coach, whereas the second asserts that he is no longer a candidate for that role; these opposing statements

Timeline

  1. 19 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Serie A clubs preferred Conte over Mancini for Italy coach role

    Serie A president Ezio Maria Simonelli confirmed clubs preferred Antonio Conte for Italy's head coach role but called for unity in supporting Roberto Mancini.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Pep Guardiola declined Italy national team coaching role due to exhaustion

    Paolo Maldini revealed that Pep Guardiola nearly accepted the role of Italy national team coach but declined due to exhaustion and a need for rest following years in the Premier League.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 87 sources
    Paolo Maldini explains resignation from FIGC after coaching search collapse

    Paolo Maldini explains his resignation from the FIGC, citing broken agreements over the selection of Italy's head coach and failed attempts to recruit Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 11 sources
    Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy Coach Amid Squad Rebuilding

    Roberto Mancini returns as Italy coach, with Claudio Ranieri as technical director, aiming to rebuild the squad after a World Cup qualifying failure; first test vs Belgium, tactical shift to 4‑3‑3.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Luciano Spalletti slams FIGC choices, calls for fresh direction for Italy

    Luciano Spalletti, after Italy's 2‑0 win over France, called Paolo Maldini the needed “new” for the national team, slammed FIGC’s recent appointments and warned of possible Nations League relegation.

  6. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 194 sources
    Roberto Mancini returns as Italy coach, Claudio Ranieri named technical director

    Roberto Mancini is re‑appointed Italy coach on a four‑year deal, with Claudio Ranieri as technical director. He apologises for his 2023 exit, vows to qualify for the 2030 World Cup and to promote young talent.

  7. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Italy appoints Andrea Pirlo as coach amid national team decline

    Italy’s third missed World Cup qualification leads the federation to hire Andrea Pirlo after Guardiola’s salary refusal, while Walter Veltroni condemns Argentina’s post‑final behavior and urges protection of足球的

  8. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 420 sources
    Roberto Mancini appointed Italy head coach as FIGC crisis deepens

    Roberto Mancini is named Italy coach, Claudio Ranieri as technical director, after Andrea Pirlo’s dismissal and the resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo; 59 % of online reaction is critical.

  9. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 278 sources
    Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach appointment halted by Russian betting controversy

    Andrea Pirlo’s bid for Italy’s head coach job is in doubt after backlash over his Fonbet ambassadorship and ties to Russian oligarch Sergei Lomakin, prompting political criticism, FIGC review, and Pirlo’s claim

  10. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italian football media debate appointment of new national team coach

    Italian sports papers report a protracted search for a new national team coach, with debates over Andrea Pirlo versus Pep Guardiali and calls for a quick decision, alongside other football news such as Leão’s F

  11. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 323 sources
    Andrea Pirlo named Italy's new national team coach

    Italy appoints former midfielder Andrea Pirlo as head coach after Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti turned down the role; contract runs to 2030 with €1.5 m annual salary.

  12. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 133 sources
    Italy football federation in talks with Pep Guardiola over national team coach

    Italy’s FA says it has discussed the vacant coach role with Pep Guardiola, met him in Barcelona and is ready to make a salary exception, though a deal is not yet certain; Mancini and Pirlo are also candidates.

  13. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Pep Guardiola dismisses Italy job as Como signs Trevoh Chalobah

    Pep Guardiola rules out Italy national team role, focusing on family, as Como signs Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and the football world mourns former Verona coach Osvaldo Bagnoli.

  14. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 24 sources
    Italy football federation narrows coach shortlist as Maldini backs Pirlo

    Italy’s new technical director Paolo Maldini backs Andrea Pirlo for national‑team coach, with Pep Guardiola, Mancini and Conte also on the shortlist; a decision is expected by late July.

  15. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 15 sources
    Andrea Pirlo emerges as frontrunner for Italy national team head coach

    FIGC president Malagò is finalising a short‑list for Italy’s new coach, with Andrea Pirlo emerging as the top candidate alongside Mancini, Conte and others.

  16. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Pep Guardiola eyed as Italy national team coach amid rebuilding push

    Italy’s federation, led by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, is considering Pep Guardiola—despite his €25 m salary—as the next national team coach to revive the Azzurra after three missed World Cups.

  17. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 137 sources
    Paolo Maldini appointed technical director of Italy's football federation

    Paolo Maldini has been named FIGC technical director and Club Italia president, with Leonardo as advisor, as Italy rebuilds after missing the 2026 World Cup.

  18. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    AC Milan's Leão shines as club watches Maldini decision on Italy technical director

    Rafael Leão is driving AC Milan’s recent success, while the FIGC waits for Paolo Maldini to decide on a technical director role, with a deadline tomorrow.

  19. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 34 sources
    Paolo Maldini appointed FIGC technical director and Club Italia president

    Paolo Maldini has been confirmed as the FIGC’s technical director and Club Italia president, with former teammate Leonardo named as his advisor, as Italy seeks to rebuild its football after missing three World‑

  20. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Napoli's transfer strategy and Corvino urges reforms in Italian football

    Napoli’s crowded squad leads the club to pause transfers, with Salvione citing Allegri’s experience, while former Fiorentina director Corvino argues Italy’s football system needs reforms and foreign talent to提升

  21. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Giovanni Malagò says Italy’s national team technical director appointment may be a surprise

    FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said the Italy national team’s technical director could be a surprise appointment, as the federation finalises the coaching structure on the 20th anniversary of the 2006 World Cup

  22. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Giovanni Malagò eyes Paolo Maldini as Italy's technical director

    FIGC president Giovanni Malagò says Paolo Maldini is the ideal technical director for Italy, sets a week‑long deadline, and notes Serie A’s support amid rebuilding after World Cup qualification failures.

  23. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    United for Meyer charity gala features comments from Italian football executives

    Football directors at the United for Meyer gala in Italy discussed departures, transfer targets and club ambitions, with remarks from Torino's Vagnati, Milan's Galliani, Juventus officials and Como's Ludi.

  24. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italian football pushes inclusion and reform after World Cup snub

    Italy hosts the Balon Mundial inclusion festival and a Florence forum on football reform after the national team’s World Cup exclusion.

  25. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italy's Azzurri coach race sees Conte await FIGC decision amid Saudi offer

    Antonio Conte awaits the FIGC’s decision on the Italy coach job, preferring the role over a €20 m Saudi offer, while Roberto Mancini leads as favourite.

  26. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Giovanni Malagò Sets One‑Week Deadline for Italy’s New Technical Director and Head Coach

    FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said Italy will name a new technical director—likely Paolo Maldini—and a head coach—most likely Antonio Conte—within a week, with clubs and sponsors pledged to help fund the hires

  27. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    FIGC narrows Italy coach race as Malago eyes Maldini and Conte

    FIGC president Malago narrows Italy's coach hunt to Conte and Mancini, eyes Maldini as technical director, and stresses qualification challenges after missed World Cups.

  28. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italy's football faces 12‑year World Cup drought as CONI chief blames missing vision

    CONI chief Buonfiglio criticises Italy's 12‑year World Cup absence, citing lack of vision, while youth teams thrive but the senior side remains in crisis.

  29. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italy weighs Conte vs Mancini for national team head coach

    Italy's FIGC, led by new president Giovanni Malagò, is set to choose between Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte as the next national team coach, a decision seen as crucial for his credibility.

  30. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president to reshape Italian football

    Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president with ~68% support and plans budget, technical director, and coaching appointments to revive Italian football, mentioning possible adviser Zbigniew Boniek.

  31. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Antonio Conte poised to become Italy national team coach

    Italy's FIGC, led by Giovanni Malagò, is set to appoint Antonio Conte as national team coach on a four‑year deal aimed at the 2030 World Cup, with club and Napoli owner support.

  32. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italy national football team seeks new head coach as salary offers are slashed

    Italy's football federation is weighing low‑cost options for the national team coach, with Antonio Conte speculated but likely to earn about half his Napoli salary, while other former stars are also under talk.

  33. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 33 sources
    Napoli's infrastructure plans and coaching quest dominate Italian football agenda

    Italy's football scene sees Napoli push infrastructure and hire Allegri, while the FIGC eyes Maldini and Conte, and clubs track Zaniolo and Sörloth transfers.

  34. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò appointed FIGC president as Italy endures third straight World Cup miss

    Giovanni Malagò was appointed FIGC president as Italy misses its third straight World Cup, prompting criticism from players like Jorginho and raising concerns over stadium upgrades for Euro 2032.

  35. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italian Football Federation President Malagò weighing national team coach appointment

    FIGC president Giovanni Malagò faces pressure to name Antonio Conte as Italy’s coach, amid debate over club‑federation influence.

  36. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italy misses third straight World Cup, fans protest as new federation president elected

    Italy missed the 2026 World Cup for the third straight edition, prompting ultras to protest and the election of Giovanni Malagò as FIGC president amid concerns over player scarcity and fan disengagement.

  37. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Paolo Maldini and Antonio Conte lead Italy’s football rebuild

    Maldini and Conte are central to Italy’s football revamp as Serie A clubs chase Nico Paz, Marco Palestra and other transfers ahead of World Cup 2026.

  38. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò Elected President of Italy's Football Federation

    Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president on 22 June 2026 with 68.58% of the votes, succeeding a period of World Cup failures and the resignation of Gabriele Gravina.

  39. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president amid calls for Italian football reforms

    Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president, with expectations he will lead reforms across Italy's football leagues and influence the national team coach selection.

  40. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected president of Italy’s football federation

    Giovanni Malagò, former CONI chief, wins FIGC presidency with 68.58% of votes, pledging reforms, a new national‑team coach, and continued support for AS Roma.

  41. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected president of Italian football federation

    Giovanni Malagò has been elected FIGC president, pledging reforms, a new national coach (potentially foreign), and focus on Euro 2032 as Italy rebuilds its football program.

  42. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected president of Italy’s football federation

    Giovanni Malagò won the FIGC presidency with 68.58% of votes, promising reforms, a new national team coach (Conte) and a technical director role for Paolo Maldini.

  43. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Antonio Gozzi reappointed as FIGC councilor representing Serie B amid calls for reform

    Antonio Gozzi was re‑elected as the Lega Serie B representative on the FIGC council at a Rome assembly, while Lega Serie B president Paolo Bedin urged financial reforms and greater youth development.

  44. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malago elected as new president of Italy's football federation

    Giovanni Malago won 68.5% of votes at FIGC’s extraordinary assembly in Rome, succeeding Gabriele Gravina after Italy missed 2026 World Cup qualification, and pledged to revive Italian football ahead of Euro 203

  45. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected president of Italy's football federation

    Giovanni Malagò won the FIGC presidency with 68.58% of votes, replacing Gabriele Gravina and pledging reforms and Euro 2032 stadium plans.

  46. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 37 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president, tasked with reviving Italian football

    Giovanni Malagò wins FIGC presidency (68.58%), vows structural reforms, eyes Paolo Maldini as technical director, and considers Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini for Italy coach.

  47. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president, vows youth-focused reforms

    Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president, pledging youth‑focused reforms and improved governance for Italian football.

  48. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president, Abete backs Matteo Marani

    Giovanni Malagò becomes FIGC president; Giancarlo Abete says he would have backed Matteo Marani’s bid, urging stronger support for lower‑tier clubs.

  49. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Italy fails to qualify for third straight World Cup, sparking fan disappointment

    Italy missed the World Cup for the third straight time, leaving fans without the usual summer football celebrations and prompting talk of supporting other teams.

  50. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 65 sources
    Giovanni Malagò elected FIGC president with 68.58% of votes

    Giovanni Malagò won the FIGC presidency on 22 June 2026 with 68.58 % of votes, pledging team cohesion, political dialogue and structural reforms for Italian football.

  51. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italian football faces systemic reforms as national team misses World Cups

    Italy missed three World Cups, spurring FIGC‑government reforms such as tax breaks and home‑grown player quotas, while Roberto Mancini is touted for a possible coaching return.

  52. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Giovanni Malagò cleared to run for FIGC presidency as election approaches

    ANAC clears Giovanni Malagò to run in the FIGC presidential vote, set for Monday, as he faces Giancarlo Abete; Abete reaffirms the 2028 end to club multi‑ownership.

  53. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Giovanni Malagò cleared to run for FIGC presidency after ANAC approval

    ANAC cleared Giovanni Malagò to run for FIGC president, removing legal doubts and setting up a 22 June vote against Giancarlo Abete.

  54. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Italian Sports Authority Refers Giovanni Malagò Ineligibility Inquiry to Anti‑Corruption Agency

    CONI says it cannot assess Giovanni Malagò’s eligibility for FIGC president, referring the issue to ANAC; the election remains set for 22 June despite timing concerns.

  55. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi Calls for Transparency in FIGC Election

    Sports minister Andrea Abodi urged full legal clarity and ANAC/CONI review before the FIGC presidential election, stressing legitimacy for the upcoming vote.

  56. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Italian Sports Minister Calls for Review of FIGC President Malagò's Eligibility

    Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi urged ANAC and CONI to assess Giovanni Malagò's eligibility for the FIGC presidency amid a pantouflage investigation ahead of the June 22 election.

  57. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi Calls for FIGC Reforms After World Cup Setback

    Sports minister Andrea Abodi urged comprehensive FIGC reforms, citing financial oversight, league structure, sport justice independence and Italy’s World Cup miss, and floated Guardiola as a possible coach.

  58. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Giancarlo Abete pushes federation reform and top coach hire ahead of FIGC election

    Giancarlo Abete urges federation reform and a top‑level coach for Italy as FIGC elections approach.

  59. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Lega Pro stays neutral as FIGC presidential election approaches, Abete sets agenda

    Lega Pro stays neutral in FIGC presidential race; candidate Giancarlo Abete outlines his reform agenda.

  60. 4 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete vie for FIGC presidency

    Malagò and Abete run for FIGC president, outlining Lega Pro reform, youth development and Serie A growth ahead of the June 22 election.

Sources

1000cuorirossoblu.it · 1001infos.net · 100x100napoli.it · 101greatgoals.com · 20minutos.es · 24-ore.com · 24fudbal.com.mk · 24hod.sk · 24sata.hr · 24ur.com · 2duerighe.com · 324.cat · 4-4-2.com · a1on.mk · abcnews.al · abola.pt · acmilan.com.pl · acmilan.hu · actu.capital.fr · adginforma.it · adomonline.com · affaritaliani.it · agenpress.it · ageoflearning.com · agrpress.it · ajansspor.com · aksam.com.tr · aktuale.mk · aktuelno.me · al-wattan.net · alaraby.co.uk · aldo2.com · alessioporcu.it · alfoldma.hu · alfredopedulla.com · alia.ge · almanaccocalciotoscano.it · almountakhab.com · alternativasnoticiosas.com · altoadigesport.it · alwakeelnews.com · amarantomagazine.it · america.aljazeera.com · amp.ilgiornale.it · andromedas.co.uk · angielskieespresso.pl · antaranews.com · apach57.fr

This summary has been updated 15 times: see revision history