Italy’s search for a new head coach has reportedly turned chaotic, with Andrea Pirlo no longer in the frame and Paolo Maldini stepping down. What was supposed to be the start of a reset now looks increasingly unsettled for the national team.
The pressure around the Italy job has been intense since the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Missing the tournament left the Azzurri facing another painful period of reflection, and the next managerial appointment was expected to be a key part of the rebuild.
Instead, the process appears to have stalled. Pirlo being ruled out removes one of the most recognizable names linked to the role, while Maldini’s resignation adds to the sense of instability around the wider project.
With the coaching hunt in disarray, attention now turns to how Italy’s football leadership responds. After another major World Cup disappointment, the federation faces a crucial decision on who can restore direction and credibility to the national side.
