Paolo Maldini and Leonardo ‘quit Italian FA roles’ weeks after joining amid head coach saga

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), acording to Sky Sport Italia.It comes days after taking up key positions as part of a major overhaul of the national team's management. Maldini, named technical director on 11 July, was tasked with rebuilding the national side following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

He stepped down a mere 16 days later, with former Brazil international Leonardo, brought in as his adviser, also departing.This comes after Andrea Pirlo confirmed he was no longer a candidate for the national team coaching position.The World Cup winner and former AC Milan and Juventus midfielder, announced his withdrawal from contention for the Italy coaching job via Instagram on Monday.

He stated: "I heard last night that I’m no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job."Pirlo's decision follows significant political pressure concerning his sponsorship deal with Russian betting firm Fonbet. Several Italian politicians had voiced strong objections, arguing that the national coach should not be associated with views that contradict Italy’s stance in supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Pirlo, who had been prepared to leave his Dubai United role to take over as Italy boss, defended the agreement as ”exclusively for commercial and sports” purposes, linked to his UAE job.He added: ”Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don’t belong to me.“His previous unsuccessful stints in charge of Juventus and Sampdoria had already made him an unpopular choice.

Pirlo had become a frontrunner only after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola declined offers.Attention has reportedly returned to former Italy coaches Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.More to follow...

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