Paolo Maldini ‘could quit’ Italian federation if Andrea Pirlo is rejected | OneFootball

Andrea Pirlo has been chosen to become Italy’s next head coach, but scrutiny of his Russian links is clouding the appointment. Paolo Maldini could leave his role at the federation if Pirlo ultimately is not given the job.

Gazzetta suggests that there is emerging political opposition to Pirlo’s candidacy, a potential pretext to bypass technical director Maldini’s choice, and that the selection has shocked both federation leaders and a public who expected a different profile.

The former AC Milan midfielder, who made 401 appearances for the club, is an ambassador for Fonbet, one of Russia’s biggest betting companies. He also has ties to oligarch Sergueï Lomakine, the current president of United FC in Dubai, where Pirlo is coaching.

Links to Russia are proving contentious in 2026. The unveiling of the federation’s new board was framed as complete consensus, yet that picture already appears strained.

Maldini, a 901-game Milan icon, is no pushover and dislikes confrontation. No formal statement has been issued on his position.

Source: L'Équipe