Maldini and Leonardo quit as Pirlo veto plunges FIGC into crisis

The Italian Football Federation has been thrown into renewed chaos following the shock resignations of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo. According to Sky Sport, the pair stepped down after the FIGC vetoed Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy for the national team job due to his commercial ties with Fonbet, a Russian bookmaker linked to the Kremlin. Pirlo, considered Maldini’s preferred choice and second only to Pep Guardiola on the shortlist, publicly confirmed the decision on Monday, intensifying scrutiny around the Federation’s stance.

Hours later, Maldini and Leonardo returned their mandates to president Giovanni Malagò, signalling complete opposition to the move and deepening the institutional instability already plaguing Italian football. The FIGC, still reeling from repeated World Cup failures and leadership upheaval, must now rebuild its hierarchy. Reports suggest Giorgio Chiellini could replace Maldini, while a sensational return for Roberto Mancini is being discussed as the next managerial option.