CT Italia: Why Maldini Left: “They Don’t Want to Change.” A Return to the Past: Mancini and Oriali in the Lead

The plan to revive Italian soccer lasted just a few weeks. Technical Director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo had immediately set to work; over the past month, they had been in Coverciano, spoken with representatives of Serie A clubs, and studied the youth academies, trying to lay the groundwork for Italian soccer’s revival. But the project hit its first snag: the appointment of the new head coach.

After Pep Guardiola turned down the offer, Maldini had set his sights directly on Andrea Pirlo and refused to accept Giovanni Malagò’s rejection. From Maldini and Leonardo’s perspective, the issue of the Russian sponsor was merely a pretext to sideline a candidate who hadn’t convinced the federation president. The Milan legend had expected carte blanche and full autonomy, but Malagò’s refusal changed everything and prompted him to step down immediately.

“They don’t want change,” is the view shared by both men, as reported by *Corriere della Sera*.

With the Maldini-Leonardo plan immediately shelved, plans are in the works for a return to the past: the favorites for the Azzurri coaching job are two former national team coaches, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, with the former being the FIGC president’s preferred choice. Furthermore, if Mancini returns for a second stint, Lele Oriali could rejoin the national team staff, resuming his long-standing role as team manager.

The position of technical director could be filled by Claudio Ranieri, who fits Malagò’s ideal profile. The other candidates are Giorgio Chiellini and Beppe Bergomi.