Chiellini emerges as alternative if Maldini leaves Italy role
Quick summary
Giorgio Chiellini is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement if Paolo Maldini departs from his current position with the Italy national team.
Full article
Attributed to original sourcePaolo Maldini is already weighing up his future within the Italy national team set-up just 15 days after his appointment, and reports in Italy claim that Giorgio Chiellini could be among the list of replacements should Maldini decide to resign.
Could Chiellini step in if Maldini leaves FIGC role? The appointment of a new head coach for the Italy national team has descended into chaos. After learning that neither Pep Guardiola nor Carlo Ancelotti would be taking over, recently-appointed FIGC technical director Maldini turned to his former Milan teammate Pirlo, who is currently employed by Dubai United in the UAE.
Despite reports over the weekend claiming that an appointment was imminent, it soon emerged that Pirlo is a global brand ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, which brought several legal, moral and political issues.
His appointment to the role of Italy head coach has since been ‘blocked’ and Pirlo himself confirmed on Monday morning that he is no longer in the running to become the next CT .
The situation has left Maldini frustrated, and multiple outlets in Italy have suggested that he could even resign over the matter.
Read more: 15 days of Italy turbulence: Why Maldini could immediately walk away from FIGC EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) If that were to be the case, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò would be in need of an immediate replacement, and La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Chiellini could be a potential option.
Maldini is expected to come to a decision fairly quickly, potentially even by the end of Monday, and if that does turn out to be the case, Chiellini could receive a proposal from Malagò at the meeting of the FIGC federal council in Rome on Tuesday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Giorgio Chiellini attends the Gold Carpet during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Chiellini is currently serving as Chief Club Affairs Officer, having previously held the role of head of institutional relations.
La Gazzetta dello Sport adds that if Chiellini were to take over from Maldini in the FIGC set-up, then he would most likely seek to appoint his former Juventus coach Antonio Conte as the next CT.
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What happened
According to reports, Giorgio Chiellini has been identified as one of the possible alternatives should Paolo Maldini decide to leave his role within the Italy national team setup. Maldini's current position with the Azzurri has come under scrutiny, and the FIGC is reportedly drawing up contingency plans. Chiellini, who retired from professional football and has been working in various football roles, represents a high-profile option given his stature as a former Italy captain and his deep understanding of the national team environment.
Chance analysis
This is a succession-planning story for the Italy national team's staff, not an immediate change. If Maldini departs, Chiellini's appointment would maintain continuity and credibility given his legendary status with the Azzurri. For prediction systems, the main relevance is potential disruption to Italy's technical structure ahead of upcoming international windows, though no immediate decision appears imminent.
Potential change in Italy's technical leadership structure with Chiellini as a candidate successor, maintaining high-profile Italian football identity.
Monitor Italy national team staff stability; any managerial change could affect preparation and selection for upcoming matches.