SportFootballPaolo Maldini has reportedly quit as Italy's technical director after just over two weeks in the role following the decision to block Andrea Pirlo from becoming manager19:49, 27 Jul 2026Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini has quit after only 16 days having seen Andrea Pirlo blocked for the vacant manager's role, according to reports.‌The Azzurri are on the lookout for a new boss after Gennaro Gattuso quit following another failure to qualify for the World Cup. As part of a huge reset Maldini, who played his entire career at AC Milan and won 126 caps for his country, was hired into a senior role.‌He was tasked with restoring Italy to their former glory and the all-time great defender had pushed for Pirlo’s appointment. After seeing that request turned down Sky Italy claim he has now walked away after just over two weeks in his job.‌Pirlo, part of the victorious 2006 World Cup side, expressed his frustration at being snubbed with a post on social media. He wrote: "After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points."In the last few days I have witnessed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking over the role of head coach of the Italian national team.Pirlo was not allowed to take on the role because of his connections to the Russian betting company Fonbet, where he is a brand ambassador. The former player has said it is “strictly commercial and sporting in nature”. Some involved in the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), as well as politicians, didn't think it was right he took up the post due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.‌Pirlo is ultimately the third major name to miss out on the role. Pep Guardiola said no for personal reasons and Carlo Ancelotti didn't want to leave his gig with Brazil.Gattuso resigned in April after Italy’s failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup. They finished below Norway in qualifying and then lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in the play-offs.Article continues belowIt further amplified Italy's decline with the Azzurri now missing out on the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. They became the first winner in history to fail to qualify for three tournaments on the bounce as their Euros success of five years ago continues to look like a distant memory.Italy came into those championships off the back of a sensational unbeaten run and downed the likes of Belgium and Spain before beating England at Wembley in the final. Roberto Mancini was their manager but, despite some high profile men taking the job since, they continue to fall short.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Paolo MaldiniItaly football team