By Adegboyega Adeleye
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), according to Sky Sport Italia, in another major setback for Italy as the four-time world champions grapple with a deepening football crisis after missing the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
The dramatic development comes only days after the former AC Milan figures agreed to spearhead a major overhaul of Italian football, with Maldini appointed technical director and Leonardo brought in as his adviser.
The FIGC had officially announced the appointments earlier this month as part of its plans to rebuild the national team and oversee its path towards the 2030 World Cup.
Maldini’s resignation comes just 16 days after his appointment, with the former Italy captain expected to play a central role in finding a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.
