Legendary Paolo Maldini, in a major interview with Corriere della Sera, revealed details of negotiations with Ancelotti and Guardiola and explained how the Andrea Pirlo case led to his resignation from the Italian federation.
Paolo Maldini, former member of the Italian national team's coaching staff, spoke about the turbulent events that shook Italian football this summer. In an extensive interview with Corriere della Sera, published on August 9, 2026, the legendary footballer revealed how negotiations with some of the biggest coaching names of today unfolded and why he ultimately decided to resign.
The first choice for the new Azzurri coach was Carlo Ancelotti, but the trophy-laden Italian tactician turned down the offer as he currently manages the Brazil national team. "We called the best Italian coach of all time, my dear friend Carlo Ancelotti. He told us they have great faith in him in Brazil, wished us luck, and turned us down. Still, that call was completely justified," Maldini recounted.
After Ancelotti, the Italians turned to Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of the season. According to Maldini, the negotiations went extremely far. "We got in touch through mutual friends, and he himself mentioned the idea of managing a national team. We visited him in Barcelona, had lunch together, and talked all day. He was extremely interested and very close to accepting the offer. He even started jotting down lineups..."
Finances, Maldini claims, were not an obstacle. "Money wasn't an issue at all. Pep clearly told us: 'Give me one euro less than the previous coach earned, and it's all fine.' However, he turned it down because he's tired. He's had ten seasons in the Premier League, he had back surgery, and he simply wants to rest."
When the Guardiola option fell through, the choice fell on Andrea Pirlo. However, news soon broke that Pirlo was the face of a Russian betting company, sparking strong reactions. Maldini explained that they wanted a young coach who could understand and embrace the project, with a great playing career behind him. "I spoke with Pirlo, and I believe he was very well prepared."
Maldini claims there were no legal obstacles to Pirlo's appointment. "Public opinion was decisive. Legally, there were no barriers to Andrea becoming the coach, and he was ready to terminate that sponsorship contract as well. Clearly, there was an overreaction in a negative sense. There was talk of ethical codes and dignity, even though there were no legal hurdles."
The turning point came when Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, got involved. According to Maldini, Malagò told him and Leonardo that Pirlo was no longer a candidate and that he alone would make the final decision on the new coach from then on.
"Malagò called Leonardo and me and told us that Pirlo was no longer an option and that from that moment on, only he would decide who the coach would be. If I was expected to take responsibility, which I wanted to, then those conditions were unacceptable." Maldini and Leonardo then decided to leave. "Within the next 24 hours, we submitted our resignations instead of signing contracts. This job requires immense trust, and that trust no longer exists," Maldini concluded. After his departure, Roberto Mancini took over the national team for a second stint.
