Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles with the Italy Football Federation just ten days after joining, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, in a sudden and dramatic departure from their new positions.

The pair stepped down after federation president Gabriele Malago rejected their choice of Andrea Pirlo as Italy's new head coach. The rejection was reportedly tied to Pirlo's links with Russian brands, a factor that proved decisive in Malago's decision to block the appointment.

Maldini and Leonardo, both storied figures in Italian football with lengthy careers as players and later as executives, had only just taken up their roles with the federation before the disagreement over Pirlo's appointment brought their tenure to an abrupt end.