Italy are exploring alternative options for their national team backroom staff after legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon turned down an opportunity to return to the Azzurri setup. The rejection has prompted technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo to accelerate their evaluation of former internationals Gianfranco Zola and Simone Perrotta for roles connecting the federation’s youth and senior programmes.
The FIGC is undertaking a comprehensive restructuring following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Maldini and Leonardo are overseeing the recruitment process for a new head coach after approaches to Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti proved unsuccessful. Former Juventus and Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant position.
Buffon, who retired from playing in 2023, previously served as delegation chief until May 2026. He resigned from that post following Italy’s play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, departing alongside former head coach Gennaro Gattuso and ex-FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Under the new leadership structure featuring Maldini and FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, Buffon was offered a more hands-on role within Club Italia, but has opted against returning.
With Buffon unavailable, the federation is prioritising the appointment of at least one new figure to work alongside youth team co-ordinator Maurizio Viscidi. The primary responsibility involves creating a seamless pathway between the junior and senior national sides.
Zola, currently serving as vice-president of Lega Pro, is under active consideration for this bridging position. Perrotta, who maintains an existing role within Italy’s academy infrastructure, represents another internal option. Former stars Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti and Gianluca Zambrotta have also been suggested as potential candidates, though reports indicate these remain tentative proposals rather than formal approaches.
The staff appointments form part of a broader strategy to rebuild the national team structure. While Pirlo appears positioned to take charge of the senior squad, Maldini and Leonardo continue assembling the supporting personnel intended to restore Italian football’s competitive edge.