Barely two weeks after taking charge to rebuild Italian football, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are already contemplating walking away from the federation. According to Sky Sport Italia, Andrea Pirlo will not become the new national team coach after scheduled meetings between his representatives and the FIGC were abruptly canceled following a controversy over his ties with a Russian sports betting site.
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Subscribe Sekarang →Based on reports, Pirlo maintained that his partnership was strictly commercial and athletic with no political undertones. Following Pep Guardiola's rejection, Maldini and Leonardo had pinned their entire rebuilding project on Pirlo, having reportedly joined the federation on the strict condition that they retained full autonomy over selecting the manager.
According to the Italian press, if the FIGC ultimately appoints a coach outside their vision, both directors are prepared to step down immediately. Meanwhile, alternative candidates such as Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are already being linked with the vacant managerial post as turmoil engulfs the federation.