Italian football crisis deepens: Maldini and Leonardo reportedly considering resignation

The crisis in Italian football appears to have no end in sight, with reports suggesting that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo may resign from their leadership roles just 17 days after being appointed to spearhead the sport's reconstruction.

According to Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini and Leonardo have informed Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) president Giovanni Malagò of their intention to step down. This decision is reportedly tied to the failed bid to appoint Andrea Pirlo, whose candidacy was derailed by controversy surrounding his commercial relationship with the Russian betting firm Fonbet.

The collapse of Pirlo's potential appointment has disrupted the project Maldini and Leonardo had begun to implement for the relaunch of Italian football. They had also considered Thiago Motta as an alternative for the coaching position, but he was never officially contacted.

With this scenario, the Italian Football Federation is reportedly focusing its search on two experienced coaches. La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Antonio Conte is the leading favorite, backed by a significant portion of Serie A clubs. Roberto Mancini, who previously led Italy to the Euro 2021 title, remains a strong contender due to his close ties with the Federation president.

The potential departures of Maldini and Leonardo would necessitate a restructuring of the national team's management. Ironically, just three days prior, they had presented a project to Serie A presidents aimed at revitalizing Italian football. However, the urgent need to decide on a new coach has exacerbated a crisis that shows no signs of abating.