Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of the Italian national team as the Azzurri attempt to rebuild after missing a third successive World Cup. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the appointment on Saturday evening, naming former midfielder Leonardo as an advisor to work alongside the ex-defender.
Coach Search Begins
Maldini and Leonardo’s primary task is to identify a new head coach. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are currently considered frontrunners for the role, though Italian media report that other names are emerging, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and France boss Didier Deschamps.
The appointments mark the first major decision by new FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, who has moved swiftly to address Italy’s international decline. The Azzurri were forced to watch the recent tournament as spectators, intensifying pressure for structural change within the federation.
Legends Endorse Appointment
The news has generated positive reactions across the country. Dino Zoff, who coached Maldini during Euro 2000, welcomed the move. “Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence,” Zoff stated. He added that the new technical director “has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference” when selecting the next coach.
Zoff also highlighted the family’s deep connection to Italian football history, noting that Maldini’s father Cesare served as assistant to Enzo Bearzot when Italy won the 1982 World Cup.
Former Milan teammate Alessandro Costacurta offered similar praise. “This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” he said. Costacurta contrasted the two appointees, describing Leonardo as “more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical.” He concluded that “the best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”
Rebuild Timeline
With Italy seeking to restore credibility ahead of the next international cycle, Maldini and Leonardo are expected to move quickly in their evaluation of coaching candidates. While Conte and Mancini represent experienced domestic options, the inclusion of foreign-based managers in discussions suggests the federation is considering a broad range of approaches to end the Azzurri’s tournament exile.