Maldini explains resignation after FIGC president blocked Pirlo appointment

Paolo Maldini, speaking to one outlet, recounted why he left his post as the Italian national team’s technical director after Gabriele Malagò rejected his choice of Andrea Pirlo for head coach. Maldini said the original arrangement allowed him to pick the coach with Malagò’s approval, but that understanding was abruptly changed, prompting him to decline the contract slated to start on August 1. He explained that his project aimed to overhaul Italian football through a long-term focus on technique, attacking play, and a revamped youth pipeline involving all league levels.

Maldini revealed that other candidates, including Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Daniele De Rossi and Fabio Grosso, were discussed, but various constraints blocked them. He argued that the cited incompatibility concerning his son’s role was unfounded, as the rule had been abolished in 2019. Maldini expressed regret that his plan to modernise the national side was halted, calling the episode a missed opportunity for a generational shift.