Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of the Italy national team, with former defensive partner Alessandro Costacurta immediately declaring the move “more important than choosing the new coach.”
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that the Milan legend was always his first choice for the newly created role. Maldini will now oversee the Azzurri football operation and holds specific responsibility for selecting Italy’s next manager.
Costacurta, who shared trophy-laden years with Maldini at club and country, told Sky Sport Italia: “This is great news for Italian football.” He described his former teammate as one of the most “illuminated and sincere” figures in the sport, adding that Malagò “made the best possible choice.”
Leonardo reunites with Maldini
In a significant development, Brazilian Leonardo has joined the setup as a special advisor. Malagò revealed that “from the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant.”
The appointment reunites the pair who previously worked together at AC Milan. Leonardo, who turns 57 in September, spent two playing spells with the Rossoneri before serving the club as a talent scout, technical director and coach. He also crossed the city divide to manage Inter for six months during the 2010-11 season.
His recent posts include two spells at Paris Saint-Germain and a brief stint as Antalyaspor coach in 2017.
Complementary approaches
Costacurta highlighted how their contrasting styles could strengthen the national team. He explained that “Leo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct.”
Crucially, Costacurta noted their collaborative dynamic: “They listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”
Malagò echoed this sentiment, describing them as “two sides of the same coin.” With the new structure in place, the immediate focus shifts to Maldini’s primary task of identifying the next Azzurri coach.