Maldini and Leonardo resign from Italy roles after failed Pirlo move

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their senior roles with the Italian Football Federation after a proposed appointment of Andrea Pirlo as Italy head coach collapsed, according to Sky Sports.

The pair informed federation president Giovanni Malago of their decision to step down, Sky reported on Monday.

Maldini had been serving as technical director of the Italian federation, with Leonardo in the position of technical adviser. Both men had been in post for only 16 days, from 11 July until 27 July.

Their resignations come amid ongoing uncertainty over the identity of the next Italy coach, with the position still vacant following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.

Pirlo talks break down, Thiago Motta emerges

Sky said Maldini and Leonardo moved to resign after the federation failed to finalise an agreement for Pirlo to take charge of the national team.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Thiago Motta has now emerged as a candidate to coach Italy following the collapse of talks with Pirlo.

According to the reports, Pirlo’s chances of landing the job faded in recent hours after he signed an agreement with a Russian betting company, a development which distanced him from the role.

The federation is expected to hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation and consider next steps.

Italy still without a coach after World Cup failure

Italy have been without a head coach since Gattuso resigned after failing to guide the Azzurri to this year’s World Cup.

That setback means Italy will miss the tournament for the third consecutive edition, extending a barren run on the game’s biggest stage.

With no permanent manager in place, attention has now turned to securing a new appointment before the start of the next international window.

Nations League schedule looming

Italy have been drawn in Group A of the UEFA Nations League alongside France, Belgium and Turkey.

They are scheduled to open their campaign during the September and October international breaks, beginning with matches against Belgium and Turkey in September.

Roberto Mancini’s side – now without a coach – are then due to face France and Turkey in October.

Italy will complete their group fixtures in November with back-to-back games against France and Belgium.

The upcoming Nations League schedule, combined with the fallout from the failed Pirlo negotiations and the abrupt exits of Maldini and Leonardo, leaves the federation under pressure to move quickly to stabilise the national team setup.