Leadership Changes at FIGC
Paolo Maldini has resigned from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), a role he held for just 16 days. His departure follows the decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach for Italy. Leonardo, Maldini’s adviser, also left his role with the FIGC.
The appointments of Maldini and Leonardo were part of a planned restructuring within the FIGC. This shake-up was initiated after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament.
Pirlo Ruled Out of Head Coach Role
The decision to not proceed with Pirlo as head coach was made on Sunday, according to reports. Concerns arose regarding Pirlo’s connections to a Russian gambling firm. The former Azzurri midfielder, aged 47, serves as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet.
This association prompted objections from some FIGC officials and politicians, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, defended his involvement with the company in an Instagram post, stating that his collaboration was exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.
Pirlo posted, “After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points.” He added that attributing a political meaning to his collaboration with Fonbet meant attributing convictions he had never expressed and that do not belong to him.
He further stated, “During my career, first as a football player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my activity in full respect to the laws of the countries I worked in and the contracts I signed.” Pirlo had signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October.
Despite Pirlo having the backing of Maldini, the controversy generated significant friction among politicians. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, commented on social media that Italian football needed a cultural, ethical, and managerial revolution after another missed World Cup qualification, suggesting Pirlo’s choice went in the opposite direction.
Ignazio La Russa, head of the Senate, expressed doubts about Pirlo’s potential appointment, noting that while Pirlo was a great champion, his coaching experience was less certain. Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, was more direct, stating that anyone promoting Russia after 2022 should not hold national office.
Pirlo had been the leading candidate for the head coach position after Pep Guardiola ruled himself out. Pirlo was reportedly prepared to terminate his contract with UAE Pro League club United FC in Dubai to finalize an agreement to become Italy’s head coach.
Previous Candidates and the Search for a Successor
The FIGC had previously approached Pep Guardiola for the head coach role, which has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso’s departure. Gattuso left his post by mutual consent in April after Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Maldini and Leonardo reportedly met with Guardiola over three days in Barcelona, presenting a comprehensive ‘Azzurro project’ aimed at rebuilding Italian football. This vision extended beyond just the senior national team to include all other national teams, representing a complete overhaul. The FIGC was reportedly willing to make an exceptional adjustment to their budget to secure Guardiola.
However, Guardiola rejected the proposal, citing personal reasons unrelated to football. Before contacting Guardiola, the FIGC also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, according to Maldini. Ancelotti, however, has a contract with the Brazil national team.
With Pirlo now out of contention, former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are reportedly being discussed as potential candidates for the vacant head coach position.
The search for a new head coach continues for the Italian national team.
Source: skysports.com
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”