Maldini, Leonardo leave Italy federation over coach selection row

Italy national team's legendary footballer Paolo Maldini and former Brazilian star Leonardo have resigned over disagreements regarding the appointment of a new head coach. Their simultaneous resignation from the posts of Technical Director and Advisor, just 16 days after taking charge, has thrown the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) plans into renewed uncertainty.

Italian media outlet Sky Sport Italia reported that Maldini and Leonardo submitted their resignations to FIGC President Giovanni Malagò on Monday. They were in favour of appointing Andrea Pirlo as the national team coach. However, the federation refused to appoint him following political and ethical controversy surrounding Pirlo's commercial agreement with Russian betting company Fonbet. Unable to agree with this decision, both resigned.

Before finalising Pirlo's name, Maldini had contacted experienced coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. However, they were not interested in taking the role, leaving Pirlo as the most suitable candidate. Leonardo, on the other hand, had proposed Thiago Motta's name, but that proposal also failed to gain the federation's support.

Maldini and Leonardo were brought in with the aim of rebuilding Italian football after failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. But their resignation just 16 days into their tenure has once again thrown the national team's coaching appointment process into uncertainty.