Maldini Explains Decision to Resign from National Team Job: ‘There Was No Trust’

FolioPitch.com – 10 August 2026 | Paolo Maldini, the legendary Italian footballer, has opened up about his shock decision to resign as the technical director of the Italian national team just two weeks into the job. The news sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with many fans and pundits left wondering what went wrong.

In an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera, Maldini revealed that he and his fellow technical director, Leonardo, had been promised the freedom to choose the coach of their own choice. However, the FIGC president, Giovanni Malagò, vetoed Andrea Pirlo, one of the top three candidates they had identified, citing that he could not touch the coaches of Serie A teams.

Maldini explained that he and Leonardo had wanted to bring in a young coach with experience in the national team, and their top three choices were Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Grosso, all of whom were world champions. However, Malagò’s sudden change of heart and refusal to let them choose the coach led to a breakdown in trust.

‘We took 24 hours and submitted our resignations,’ Maldini said. ‘There was no longer any trust to carry out a job that is enormous, even if the project was enticing too.’

The news has sparked widespread debate in Italy, with many fans and pundits questioning the wisdom of Malagò’s decision-making. Maldini’s resignation is seen as a major blow to the Italian national team’s chances of success in the future.

Maldini’s decision to resign has also raised questions about the future of the Italian national team. With the Euro 2024 qualifiers just around the corner, the team is in urgent need of a new coach and a clear plan of action.

The FIGC has yet to comment on Maldini’s resignation, but it is clear that the situation is far from resolved. The Italian national team’s future is now hanging in the balance, and it remains to be seen how this crisis will play out.

In conclusion, Maldini’s resignation from the national team job has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The breakdown in trust between Maldini and Malagò has led to a major crisis, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the team’s chances of success in the future.