He wrote line-ups: Paolo Maldini reveals Pep Guardiola nearly became Italy coach

Maldini and Leonardo resigned from their technical roles at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) shortly after their appointments, leaving Italy without the sporting leadership structure that was supposed to oversee a new era for the four-time world champions. In an interview with Corriere della.

The talks progressed far enough for the two sides to discuss money, but Maldini insisted finances were not what prevented Guardiola from taking the job. Instead, Maldini said Guardiola was exhausted after a decade in the Premier League and was also dealing with the.

What Happened

Once Guardiola was no longer available, Maldini had another preferred candidate in mind: Andrea Pirlo. The former Italy midfielder was Maldini's choice despite questions over his coaching experience.

• The FIGC ultimately moved away from Pirlo, while Maldini and Leonardo later resigned after disagreements over the independence they were given within the project.

• Maldini dismissed the controversy as “a pretext” and insisted there was “no legal impediment”, adding that Pirlo was prepared to end the relationship.

• Pirlo's commercial relationship with Russian betting company Fonbet eventually became a major obstacle to his candidacy.

Key Details

Maldini pointed to Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente, the coaches who guided Argentina and Spain to the last two World Cup titles.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge