Italian federation appoints legend Paolo Maldini as technical director

Today the Italian federation announced that former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of the FIGC. The move comes as Italy seeks to revive a national side that missed the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups. The announcement was made on Saturday evening, confirming Maldini's new role. The legendary former defender is tasked with helping the Italian national team during a period of crisis. The governance overhaul followed Italy's playoff defeat to Bosnia, prompting resignations from chairman Gabriele Gravina, team manager Gianluigi Buffon and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. Giovanni Malagò has been installed as the new chairman. Also joining the board is the Brazilian Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini. With Leonardo, Maldini and Malag at the helm, the federation hopes to restore its status among football's great powers.

Italy turns to AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini to revive football

The first priority for the trio is to appoint a new head coach, and Antonio Conte is widely seen as the front‑runner for the job. The appointment of a new coach is expected to be a decisive step for Italy. Maldini enjoyed a spectacular 24‑season playing career, winning seven Serie A titles with AC Milan and five Champions League trophies, plus fourteen other honours. He earned 126 caps for Italy but was not part of the 2006 World Cup selection. After retiring, Maldini became technical director of AC Milan in 2019 and helped the club secure its first league title in eleven seasons in 2022. He now hopes to replicate that success with the national side. The next weeks will reveal who will take over as Italy's head coach, a decision that will shape the country's World Cup ambitions.