It is known that Maldini and Leonardo actively promoted the…
It is known that Maldini and Leonardo actively promoted the candidacy of footballer Andrea Pirlo for the post of head coach of the national team.
Consensus
- Paolo Maldini and Leonardo left their positions at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after serving for 16 days.
- The resignation followed controversy over Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as head coach of the Italy national team.
- Andrea Pirlo withdrew his candidacy for the head coach position on July 27.
- Pirlo's sponsorship agreement with Russian bookmaker FONBET was a key factor in the controversy.
Points of divergence
- Maldini will be succeeded by Giorgio Chiellini as technical director, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. — kommersant
- Pirlo's sponsorship deal with FONBET was confirmed to have been signed in October 2025, and he did not apologize for the partnership. — vm
Coverage (2 sources)
- Maldini and Leonardo resign from the Italian national team over a scandal with Pirlo — Коммерсантъ
- Malдині left the Italian national team after Pirlo's departure due to ties with Russia — Вечерняя Москва