[REVISION HISTORY]

Maldini details FIGC coaching search and resignation

Updated 15 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-12 18:02 UTC → 2026-08-25 04:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.