Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago has stated the reason why Paolo Maldini resigned from his role as the leading technical director of the federation.
Malago shared this in an interview in the wake of Maldini’s resignation alongside adviser Leonardo earlier this week.
The resignation of the ex-players came on the back of Italy’s decision to appoint Roberto Mancini as head coach for a second time while shooting down Maldini’s pick as head coach-Andrea Pirlo.
Pirlo was reportedly ruled out of getting the job over his ties to a Russian betting company Fonbet as a global ambassador and Malago indicated that this played a role in Maldini’s exit.
“It was a calm and consensual decision to go our separate ways.”
“I needed someone who could share my vision of who would be the Italy coach. This shared vision on Mancini was not present with Maldini. Maldini and Leo were gentlemen, as always, but also clear and honest on their views. So was I” he said.
Mancini led Italy to win the 2020 European Championship but left after failing to qualify Italy to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
