Italy’s mess: Pirlo won’t get the job – Maldini and Leonardo already out? | OneFootball

Italian football is facing another period of uncertainty after Andrea Pirlo confirmed that he will not become the next head coach of the Italy national team. Follow the Football Italia LIVE YouTube show and join the debate!

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Why won’t Pirlo get the Italy job?

The former World Cup winner had emerged as a leading candidate for the role, but political controversy surrounding his position as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company sparked widespread criticism, ultimately ending his chances of taking charge of the Azzurri.

EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pirlo’s withdrawal, however, may only be the beginning of a much bigger shake-up. Reports in Italy suggest that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are also considering stepping away from their respective roles, raising fresh concerns about the direction of Italian football at both federation and club level.

If those departures are confirmed, three of the country’s most iconic football figures could all be exiting the spotlight within a matter of days.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 5: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, speaks during the mural inauguration ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at the Cortina Paralympic Village on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images for IPC)

Here’s a closer look at why Pirlo’s appointment collapsed, what’s happening with Maldini and Leonardo, and what these developments could mean for the future of Italian football.

Watch the full live show below and join us with your questions and thoughts!