Roberto Mancini has re-emerged as the primary candidate to become the next head coach of the Italian national football team, according to Sky Sport reporting, following a rapid administrative collapse at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The leadership crisis deepened on Monday, July 27, 2026, when technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo resigned after just 16 days in office. Their departures followed the rejection of Andrea Pirlo for the managerial post, putting the federation under pressure ahead of a Federal Council meeting.
Roberto Mancini Leads the Race While Antonio Conte Looms in the Background
According to Sky Sport, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is increasingly focused on appointing Roberto Mancini to lead the Azzurri. The path back to Mancini follows a sequence that included a pursuit of Pep Guardiola and the aborted appointment of Pirlo. According to Sky Sport director Federico Ferri, Malagò and Mancini met in late May—prior to Malagò’s election—at which point Mancini left with the certainty that he would become the ct, even going so far as to contact Lele Oriali regarding a potential return as team manager. While Mancini stands as the designated choice, Antonio Conte remains the only adversary, backed by Lega Serie A, though FIGC has made no direct contact with him.
The Inside Story Behind Maldini and Leonardo Shock Resignations
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo formally stepped down from Club Italia on July 27, ending a brief 16-day tenure that began with their announcement on Saturday, July 11. According to Sky Sport, the exits were precipitated by the federation’s rejection of their chosen managerial candidate, Andrea Pirlo. Federal component leaders learned of the resignations through media reports during a federation meeting. Ezio Maria Simonelli, president of Lega Serie A, noted outside the FIGC headquarters that while he was not surprised, he deeply regretted losing figures of Maldini’s caliber. Giancarlo Abete, president of the National Amateur League (LND), added that the assembly had been focused on the alternatives wanted by the dt and the advisor until news of their departure broke.
Andrea Pirlo Contract Details and the Betting Clause Controversy
The collapse of Andrea Pirlo’s anticipated appointment centered on legal documentation submitted by his representatives following the no of Pep Guardiola. According to Sky Sport, Pirlo’s legal team provided active employment contracts to the federation, which included his relationship with Fonbet, running parallel to his duties with United Fc. Crucially, Federico Ferri revealed that Clause 10.1 of that contract provided for the possibility of immediate, penalty-free rescission if Pirlo returned to Italy as a worker or changed his residency. Despite FIGC’s awareness of this contractual clause and the collaboration with Fonbet, political friction mounted. Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi distanced himself from claims of pressure while acknowledging to reporters at the Pietralata stadium site that “the betting Russia question does not help.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the leading candidates for the Italy national team job?
According to Sky Sport, Roberto Mancini is the primary candidate favored by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, with Antonio Conte standing as the only other candidate supported by Lega Serie A.
Why did Paolo Maldini and Leonardo resign?
According to Sky Sport, Maldini and Leonardo resigned from their roles as technical director and advisor after just 16 days following the federation’s decision to reject Andrea Pirlo as the new national team coach.
Was the FIGC aware of Andrea Pirlo’s contract clauses?
Yes. According to Sky Sport, FIGC had knowledge of Pirlo’s contract with Fonbet and understood that Clause 10.1 allowed for immediate, penalty-free rescission if he returned to Italy as a worker or changed his residency.
What did Sports Minister Andrea Abodi say about the situation?
Speaking at a press conference regarding the Rome stadium project, Minister Andrea Abodi stated that he applied no pressure regarding Pirlo, though he noted that the ongoing Russia betting discussions do not help.
Join the Discussion: What do you think about the leadership shakeup at the FIGC? Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates on Italian football.
Worth a look