Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of technical director with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), signalling a new era for the Azzurri. The former Milan defender will be joined by his former teammate Leonardo, who takes up an advisory role within the federation.
The pair have been entrusted with overseeing the long-term development of Italian football while shaping the national team’s strategic direction. Their appointment represents a significant shift in the federation’s technical leadership as the four-time world champions look to establish sustained success at international level.
Managerial Appointment Priority
Maldini and Leonardo’s first major responsibility will be identifying and appointing the next head coach of the Italian national team. This decision is expected to set the tone for their tenure and determine the tactical identity of the Azzurri in the coming years.
The technical director role marks Maldini’s return to formal administrative duties within Italian football following his departure from Milan in 2023. Leonardo, who has previously held sporting director positions at Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, brings extensive experience in squad construction and recruitment strategy to the advisory position.
Development and Reform
Beyond the immediate task of selecting a head coach, the duo will focus on structural improvements across Italy’s footballing pyramid. Their mandate includes developing pathways for young talent and ensuring the national team remains competitive in major tournaments.
The appointments reflect the federation’s desire to leverage expertise from figures who have enjoyed success both domestically and internationally. Maldini’s decorated playing career with Milan and Italy, combined with Leonardo’s administrative experience in major European leagues, forms the backbone of the new technical leadership.
The collaboration between the two former Milan colleagues suggests a unified approach to rebuilding Italian football’s infrastructure. Their combined expertise will be crucial as the Azzurri navigate the transition to a new coaching regime while implementing broader institutional reforms aimed at restoring the national team to the highest level of international competition.