After Andrea Pirlo option collapses, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo quit Italian federation | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo have resigned from the Italian football federation, FIGC, just 16 days after being appointed, after the Andrea Pirlo option was abandoned.

Both former AC Milan players informed FIGC leaders of their decision at a meeting in Rome on Monday. Italy remain without a head coach.

The pair had pushed for Pirlo to take charge, but that plan was shelved over his links to Russia. He is an ambassador for Fonbet, one of the country’s major betting companies.

With Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti having already turned the job down, the FIGC must now find another solution.

Roberto Mancini, the Euro 2021 winning coach, is strongly desired by new FIGC president Giovanni Malago, despite his abrupt exit during Euro 2024 qualifying to lead Saudi Arabia. Antonio Conte, Italy boss from 2014 to 2016 and out of work since leaving Naples, is also an option.

Source: L'Équipe