National Chaos: Ancelotti, Guardiola, and Pirlo—Three “No’s” Weighing on the New Direction

Just a few days ago, amid smiles and new resolutions, the Malagò-Maldini-Leonardo triumvirate ushered in a new era for the Azzurri. Clear ideas, a willingness to take risks, and, above all, the determination to select a coach for the national team who meets the necessary requirements for a medium- to long-term project.

In the blink of an eye, everything is falling apart. First came Ancelotti’s “no”—he was the first to be contacted by the Maldini-Leonardo duo. Then, after an intense courtship, Guardiola’s refusal, and now, due to political interference, Pirlo’s departure.

Three “no’s” that have, in fact, already thrown the new Azzurri era into crisis, at least at the management level. Maldini and Leonardo decided to accept this new challenge with the guarantee of having carte blanche. At the moment, that’s precisely what’s missing: the ability to choose freely.

There are already rumors of a possible departure for both of them. Such resignations would be a blow to the heart for Malagò as well, the new head of the FIGC, tasked with reviving Italian soccer and already grappling with a chaotic and surreal situation. And to think that, just a few days ago, everyone was toasting the beginning of a new era.