Paolo Maldini remains undecided on whether to accept the role of Italy technical director, though the former AC Milan defender is reportedly unlikely to accept due to concerns over the position’s impact on his private life.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is awaiting Maldini’s final response and has indicated he will only wait until the end of the week before turning to alternative candidates. Italian media reports differ on whether the pair met on Friday as scheduled, with Gazzetta claiming the meeting did not take place while La Repubblica suggested talks were planned.
Scope of the Role
The position offers unprecedented authority within the Italian Football Federation, including the power to select the next national team head coach and oversee operations across all levels from youth teams to the senior squad. Such extensive autonomy reflects the FIGC’s desire to secure a high-profile figure to lead the Azzurri’s rebuilding process following recent disappointments.
Personal Sacrifice
However, accepting the role would require Maldini to leave Milan and base himself in Rome or at the Coverciano training complex near Florence. This geographical demand has emerged as the primary obstacle, with sources suggesting the disruption to his personal circumstances makes acceptance improbable.
Alternative Candidates
Malagò remains hopeful that Maldini will accept and has not yet opened formal talks with other candidates, according to reports. However, should the former defender decline, the FIGC president has identified several experienced alternatives. Former Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini stands as the leading candidate, while former Chelsea and Cagliari forward Gianfranco Zola and ex-Inter defender Giuseppe Bergomi are also under consideration.
The federation is keen to appoint a technical director promptly to begin the process of selecting a new head coach and restructuring the national team pathway. Malagò faces a delicate balancing act between securing his preferred candidate and avoiding further delay in the rebuilding process.