The Daily · Monday, 27 July 2026
Maldini Out After 16 Days as Italy's Coaching Crisis Deepens
Paolo Maldini's tenure as Italy's technical director ended almost before it began. Just 16 days after his appointment, the Italian Football Federation legend resigned following the collapse of plans to install Andrea Pirlo as head coach — a candidacy that itself unravelled when Pirlo's sponsorship deal with a Russian betting firm made his position politically untenable. Italy now find themselves without a head coach and without the man hired to shape their football philosophy, a double vacancy that leaves the Azzurri's rebuild in genuine disarray.
Elsewhere, the transfer market continued at pace. Real Madrid moved to the brink of signing RB Leipzig midfielder Yan Diomande for $153 million, one of the summer's defining fees, while Leeds United closed in on Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford for around $53 million. At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso offered reassurance that record signing Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer can coexist in the same side.
Around the margins of the day, Lionel Scaloni defended his Argentina players in the wake of their World Cup final defeat to Spain, Neymar made a pointed statement on his return to Santos, and Kazuyoshi Miura — still playing professional football at 59 — scored his first goal in nearly four years.
The record
Maldini resigns as Italy technical director after just 16 days in role
Paolo Maldini has left his position as technical director of the Italian Football Federation after only 16 days, following the decision not to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Italy head coach. The departure marks a swift and turbulent end to Maldini's stint in the role. Maldini's exit leaves Italy's technical structure in disarray just weeks after his appointment, with the head coach position also unresolved.
Pirlo Rules Himself Out of Italy Job Over Betting Sponsorship Concerns
Andrea Pirlo has taken himself out of the running for the Italy manager's role amid political concerns over his sponsorship deal with Russian betting firm Fonbet. The arrangement created complications that made his candidacy untenable.
Real Madrid Close to Signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for $153m
Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with sources telling ESPN a deal is expected to be finalised within hours. The fee of $153 million would make it a major summer acquisition for the Spanish club. A $153m outlay signals Real Madrid's intent in the transfer market and represents one of the biggest fees of the window.
Scaloni Defends Argentina Players After World Cup Final Defeat to Spain
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised his players as 'warriors' following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Scaloni's comments came as he publicly backed his squad in the aftermath of the loss.
Alonso Says Rogers and Palmer Can Play Together at Chelsea
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated he has a plan to field club-record £117m signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer. The comments ease any concern that the two creative players might be seen as direct alternatives rather than compatible options.
Miura, 59, Scores First Goal in Nearly Four Years for Fukushima United
Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, has scored his first goal since 2022 at the age of 59. The Japanese legend netted for Fukushima United, a third-tier side in Japan. At 59, any addition to his goalscoring record is a remarkable personal milestone.
Neymar Marks Santos Return with Pointed Celebration After Poker Criticism
Neymar responded to criticism over his poker activities with a pointed celebration following his comeback appearance for Santos. The gesture appeared directed at those who had questioned his dedication to football during his time away from the game.