NEWS
After just 16 days! Maldini reportedly set to leave Italy's federation
The move is reportedly a reaction to Andrea Pirlo being rejected as head coach. His connections to Russia proved to be his undoing.
The turmoil in the Italian football federation knows no end. Technical Director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo are reportedly set to resign from their positions – which they had only taken on 16 days ago.
This was reported by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The reason for Maldini's and Leonardo's decisions is reportedly Andrea Pirlo's non-nomination as national coach.
Pirlo was considered the logical successor to Gennaro Gattuso. However, the federation decided against the 47-year-old, who currently coaches United FC in the United Arab Emirates.
Connections to Russia
The club belongs to a Russian billionaire, and Pirlo has an advertising contract with a Russian betting provider – for whom he was recently in Moscow for an autograph session.
His ties to the country, which is engaged in a war of aggression in Ukraine, likely prevented him from getting the national coach job.
Maldini's resignation is reportedly a reaction to this, and Giorgio Chiellini could succeed him.
