Paolo Maldini has resigned as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after only 16 days in the role, following the decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy head coach. Both Maldini and his adviser Leonardo quit shortly after their appointments were announced, ending a brief attempt to lead a major overhaul after Italy’s third consecutive World Cup qualification failure.

Andrea Pirlo was ruled out because of his ambassadorial ties to Russian bookmaker Fonbet, which sparked concerns amid the war in Ukraine. Pirlo defended the partnership as purely commercial, insisting he never expressed political views. He had been the leading candidate after Pep Guardiola declined the position.

Guardiola had engaged in three days of talks with Maldini and Leonardo, presented with a vision to rebuild Italian football, but ultimately refused for personal reasons. Carlo Ancelotti was also approached but remains committed to the Brazil national team. The head coach vacancy remains open following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.