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Paolo Maldini’s Italy future in doubt after president Giovanni Malagò confirms Roberto Mancini as head coach
After Andrea Pirlo was ruled out, Italian Soccer Federation president Giovanni Malagò confirmed Roberto Mancini as the new head coach. As a result, Paolo Maldini's future in Italy is in doubt, with another Italian legend as a possible replacement. Italy have decided to begin a reconstruction of their sporting project. While names such as Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola were approached, neither accepted the challenge. In addition, Andrea Pirlo was ruled out because of his relationship with a Russian betting company. Therefore, Italian Soccer Federation president Giovanni Malagò has confirmed Roberto Mancini as the new head coach. After this, Paolo Maldini‘s future in Italy is in doubt. “I am talking to Mancini because he is the new coach… We’re waiting for him to sign,” Giovanni Malagò revealed, as per The Athletic. With this in mind, Roberto is set for a second spell in Italy, looking for another UEFA Euro title. In the recent years, he has been coaching in Middle Eastern, having tenures at Saudi Arabia national team and Al Sadd, his recent team. After his appointment, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Araujo remain firm in leaving their positions in Italy, reports The Athletic. Far from being a tantrum, they do not seek to continue in a project in which they do not believe in its head coach. Although Mancini is the last one who gave the national team a title, he does not represent a ‘new era’ of playing style and commitment to young players, making Maldini resign. President Giovanni Malagò seems to have decided on an ideal replacement for Paolo Maldini as Technical Director: Claudio Ranieri. According to The Athletic, the 74-year-old veteran will be the new sporting leader of Italy, leading the reconstruction. With this duo, they seek to be top contenders for UEFA Euro 2028, as they have a great relationship and a similar idea of the game. Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri. Italy opt for a slight adjustment instead of a major overhaul Despite failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cup editions, Italy seemed to need a deep reconstruction. With this in mind, Paolo Maldini was looking for a new offensive style of play, together with a real commitment to young players. Instead, Giovanni Malagò has decided to make a conservative choice, giving Roberto Mancini another chance, which is a continuation of the same style of play and little commitment to young players. Under Mancini, Italy will return to their greatest strength: Defensive solidity and brilliance on the counterattack. Far from this being a problem, it will make it easier for the team to compete directly for titles, as it will not have to learn a new way of playing. However, young players may not have much space to shine, as the head coach usually bets on veterans who have already excelled at the elite level.
Maldini and Leonardo resign from Italian FA after Pirlo appointment falls through
Pirlo no longer in running for coach role over betting tiesPaolo Maldini only appointed technical director on 11 JulyPaolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly resigned from their roles with the Italian football federation in the wake of Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as Italy head coach falling through.Both figures had recently taken on roles as part of an overhaul of the national team management. Maldini was appointed on 11 July as technical director of the Italian federation, to help to rebuild the national side after they failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup finals. But he has stepped down just 16 days later alongside Leonardo, the former Brazil international who had been brought in as his adviser. Continue reading...
Pep Guardiola turns down Italy job due to unexpected reason, with Paolo Maldini forced to look elsewhere
Italy's federation now faces the challenge of finding another elite manager capable of restoring the national team to the top of world soccer. Pep Guardiola has decided against becoming the next Italy head coach, dealing a significant blow to the ambitious rebuilding project being led by Paolo Maldini. Italy’s federation now faces the challenge of finding another elite manager capable of restoring the national team to the top of world soccer. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had identified Guardiola as its dream appointment following his departure from Manchester City, believing his experience and tactical vision could transform the national team. However, after several days of discussions and careful consideration, the Spaniard ultimately chose a different path, leaving Maldini and his advisors searching for alternative candidates. Italy’s ambitious project falls short According to multiple outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Italia, Fabrizio Romano, and The Athletic, Guardiola was among the primary targets after Paolo Maldini became the Italian Football Federation’s new technical director, with Leonardo serving as his advisor. Maldini and Leonardo reportedly travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola personally, hoping to convince him to lead a long-term project aimed at rebuilding one of international football’s most successful nations. Before speaking with Guardiola, the federation had also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, but the Brazil coach decided to remain in his current position. Speaking publicly during a Lega Serie A assembly, Maldini admitted that Italy first approached what he considered the best coaches in world football. “The ideal would be to have the coach by the end of this week, but perhaps even more ideal would be to wait for the person we really want. We cannot deny that we also spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before talking to Pep, and it felt only right to start with those we considered to be the best in the world“, he said. Why Guardiola said no While financial considerations initially attracted attention, reports indicate the decisive factor was something entirely different. Guardiola believes this stage of his career is the right moment to step away from soccer and spend time with his family after completing a demanding decade at Manchester City. The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City manager reportedly wants to recharge before committing to another major challenge. Having spent ten consecutive years managing at the highest level in England, Guardiola felt an immediate return to coaching would not be the right decision. Fabrizio Romano and multiple Italian outlets reported that Guardiola intends to enjoy an extended break before evaluating future opportunities.
Karim Benzema faces uncertain future as Al Hilal reportedly open to offers for 38-year-old striker
Despite arriving as a star signing, Karim Benzema does not have his future at Al Hilal completely clear. Ahead of the next season, the Saudi side is reportedly open to the departure of the 38-year-old striker. Karim Benzema managed to remain one of the best strikers in the Saudi Pro League. After shining for two seasons at Al-Hilal, he left as a free agent for Al Hilal, becoming a star signing for the 2025-26 season. Despite being one of the best players on the team, his continuity does not appear to be clear. After his inconsistent performances, the Saudi side is reportedly open to his departure this summer. According to Ben Jacobs, via X, formerly Twitter, Al Hilal and Karim Benzema are in constant talks, discussing his role for the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season. While the veteran striker expects an important role, the team is open to his departure this summer in case it receives an offer. However, a scenario in which he would be included only in the Asian Champions League has been ruled out by the striker. In his first season at Al Hilal, Benzema did not have his best performance. After arriving midway through the season, he was only able to play 13 matches, in which he scored only 9 goals. Being one of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, his performances received a lot of criticism from the fans. Therefore, they would be open to the veteran striker’s departure, despite the fact that he is under contract until June 2027. Since the arrival of head coach Simone Inzaghi, Marcos Leonardo has been the team’s best player. Despite not having much spotlight on his name, he has once again been the team’s top scorer, scoring 19 goals in 39 matches. At just 22 years old, he appears to be the cornerstone of the team, being undisputed under every coach he has had. Because of this, Karim Benzema appears to have one foot out of Al Hilal. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal runs with the ball Lisandro Martinez of Al Nassr. Karim Benzema has enjoyed a strong run in Saudi Arabia After establishing a historic spell at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema decided to make the move to the Saudi Pro League. During his time at Al Ittihad, the veteran striker enjoyed great success, scoring 54 goals and providing 17 assists. After two successful seasons, the 38-year-old striker left as a free agent, joining Al Hilal. During his short spell, he has recorded 14 goal contributions, consisting of 9 goals and 5 assists in 13 matches. Throughout his three years in the Saudi Pro League, Karim has already managed to win the league title in the 2024-25 season with Al Ittihad. In addition, he has won two more trophies, lifting the Saudi King’s Cup on two occasions: In the 2024-25 season with Al Ittihad and in the 2025-26 season with Al Hilal. With this in mind, he has already left a great legacy during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Report: Pep Guardiola demands €20M salary to consider Italy job amid negotiations with Paolo Maldini
Over the last few days, Paolo Maldini and Italian Soccer Federation president Giovanni Malagò have revealed that they are in negotiations with Pep Guardiola. However, the legendary head coach is reportedly set to reject the offer, requesting a salary of €20 million. Italy have begun the process of renewing their sporting project, led by Paolo Maldini and president Giovanni Malagò. While several Italian coaches have been linked with the job, Pep Guardiola is the chosen one, as both executives have revealed that negotiations with the Spaniard are ongoing. Despite the formal talks, the legendary head coach is reportedly determined to reject the job, requesting a salary of €20 million. According to Elisabetta Esposito, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, his advisor, have returned to Italy with very little optimism. Pep Guardiola is not very willing to accept a new job as a coach, as he wants to take a break to spend time with his family, something he has not been able to do for years. In addition, he is requesting an annual salary of €20 million, while Italy’s offer is €10 million. Despite this situation, Italy are reportedly remaining in the negotiations, looking to improve their offer and convince him over the coming weeks. Needing a deep restructuring, the possible arrival of Guardiola would be the ideal move, as he develops young players. In addition, the Spaniard coach would be key to adjusting the playing style toward a more modern and competitive approach. Italy reportedly shortlist three Pep Guardiola alternatives Amid the negotiations with Pep Guardiola, Italy do not seem willing to stand still. Although Silvio Baldini is the coach currently in charge, they are determined to appoint a manager with extensive experience and a more suitable profile. While they still maintain active hopes of landing the Spanish coach, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) is reportedly considering only three names as alternatives to become the new head coach. Italian legend and coach Andrea Pirlo is speaking during the FIGC Hall of Fame Event. Even though he has not managed a European club since 2024, Andrea Pirlo is the ideal candidate to take over as Italy’s head coach as backup for Pep Guardiola, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite being under contract with United FC of the UAE Pro League until 2027, he could leave without much difficulty to take charge of the national team. Alongside Pirlo, the FIGC and Paolo Maldini are also considering Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, in that order, Elisabetta Esposito reveals. However, they are viewed as emergency options rather than priorities, as the FIGC is looking for a fresh direction for the national team. While both coaches have already succeeded at the highest level, they represent continuity in the sporting project, something they do not fully want to pursue.