Simonelli on Italy chaos: ‘We discovered Maldini resigned from the TV’ | OneFootball

Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli reveals they only found out Paolo Maldini and Leonardo had resigned from their Italy roles ‘from the television, but it was in the air.’

It was only four days ago that FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, Club Italia technical director and his special advisor Leonardo spoke to the Serie A clubs to present their project.

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

They were introduced in a joint press conference by Simonelli, but this evening the entire plan was in shambles after Andrea Pirlo was blocked from becoming Italy coach, leading to Maldini and Leonardo’s reported resignation.

That story broke in the middle of a FIGC meeting in Rome.

Italy situation truly shambolic

Italy technical director Paolo Maldini, special advisor Leonardo, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò and Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli (figc.it)

“We learned about Maldini and Leonardo’s resignation from the television,” revealed Serie A chief Simonelli.

“I wouldn’t say I was entirely surprised, it had been in the air. Maldini had chosen Pirlo, who will not be the new coach.

“It’s disappointing, because in my view choosing Maldini was a great decision, he is someone of values and I would’ve appreciated, for the whole Italian football movement, if he was still on board.”

FIGC President Malagò left the meeting by a different exit to avoid the crowd of reporters gathered outside.

Simonelli was asked if the Federation chief had given any clue as to who will take over the Italy bench.

“We didn’t make names, we talked about criteria.”

It is now likely that Malagò will choose Roberto Mancini for the Nazionale, and only later appoint a technical director for Club Italia.