FIGC President Giovanni Malagò will appoint a technical director for the Italy national team within the next week. The new official will help select the next Azzurri coach after the resignations that followed the failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Italy crashed out of the World Cup play-offs against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The defeat triggered a complete overhaul of the national team leadership. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned. Team manager Gigi Buffon stepped down. Federation President Gabriele Gravina also left his post.
Technical director priority
Malagò, who recently took charge of the FIGC, confirmed the technical director appointment will happen “over the course of a week”. He stressed that he has not contacted any coaching candidates yet.
Malagò stated at a press conference that he will only approach coaches after confirming the technical director. He wants this appointment made alongside the Club Italia leadership.
Paolo Maldini emerges as the leading candidate for the technical director position. The former Milan defender is Malagò’s first choice. However, sources suggest Maldini remains hesitant about taking the role. Other candidates are under consideration.
Coaching contenders
Once the technical director is in place, attention will turn to replacing Gattuso. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have emerged as the primary candidates for the head coach position.
The two former managers present different financial demands. Reports indicate a significant gap between their salary expectations. Malagò indicated this difference “is not necessarily an issue” in the selection process.
Malagò emphasized the importance of finding a technical director with strong football heritage. He noted Italians want someone with history and knowledge of the sport to help select the coach.
The appointment marks the first major decision of Malagò’s presidency as he seeks to stabilise the federation following the departure of Gravina. The double appointment of technical director and coach will determine Italy’s direction ahead of the next international cycle.