Andrea Pirlo bid rejected, Paolo Maldini considering exit as Italy’s coach search drags on | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Giovanni Malago, elected last month as federation president, has vetoed Andrea Pirlo’s candidacy for the Italy head coach role, despite backing from new technical director Paolo Maldini. The move leaves Maldini, who had been assured control of the hire, weighing his next steps.

After Pep Guardiola declined, Maldini and his deputy Leonardo chose Pirlo to lead the rebuild of a team absent from the World Cup since 2014. The trio aligned on approach and working methods, and Pirlo only needed to terminate his Dubai United contract to sign.

Pirlo’s ties to Russia quickly became a major obstacle. Since October last year he has been a brand ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting company, and Italian politicians intervened, arguing that in the context of the war in Ukraine such a link could not front the national side. Overnight, a social media post from Pirlo stated he was no longer in the running.

Inside the federation and among the public, not everyone was disappointed, with some unconvinced by Pirlo’s coaching record. Malago’s preferred option is Roberto Mancini, although he also divides opinion after resigning during Euro 2024 qualifying to join Saudi Arabia.

Antonio Conte’s name will inevitably return to the frame, the former Napoli coach has been a free agent since June and has delivered results wherever he has worked. Whether he could operate alongside Maldini and Leonardo is unclear. Maldini is due to speak with Malago, and a resignation is not ruled out.

Source: L'Équipe