Pirlo, Pep and Paolo: How a summer of self-inflicted controversy left new Italy feeling like the old Italy
The Italian Football Federation is struggling to stabilize its leadership following a series of public setbacks. After Italy missed the 2026 World Cup, the federation brought in Giovanni Malago, Paolo Maldini, and Leonardo to initiate a significant transition. The team hoped to secure top-tier coaching talent to redefine the national squad identity, but these ambitions hit immediate roadblocks.
Maldini targeted Pep Guardiola for the head coach position, an approach that failed to move the former Manchester City manager from his plans for a break from the game. Efforts to discuss the role with Carlo Ancelotti also proved unsuccessful, as he remains committed to his contract with Brazil. This left the leadership group looking toward former international star Andrea Pirlo.
The prospect of hiring Pirlo triggered a wave of scrutiny regarding his business ties. Pirlo serves as a global ambassador for Fonbet, a Russian betting firm. Given the current geopolitical climate and the Italian government stance on the conflict in Ukraine, the association created a significant public relations crisis. Critics questioned the ethics of such an appointment, especially following recent scandals involving Italian players banned for illegal betting activities.
Adding to the tension are questions about potential conflicts of interest within the new executive team, specifically involving family members working in sports agencies. While these arrangements do not technically violate current regulations, they remind fans of past governance issues. With reports suggesting that Maldini and Leonardo may step down only weeks after starting, the project is in a precarious state.
Ultimately, the attempt to refresh Italian football currently mirrors the patterns of previous administrations. Despite a desire for a new direction, the organization faces the same cycle of internal pressure, scrutiny of commercial partnerships, and leadership instability. The federation must now determine if they can recover or if this executive team will follow their predecessors out the door.