Leonardo’s advisory role tests Italy’s strategic direction

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò announced that Leonardo will serve as a special advisor to the Italy national team, a role created after Paolo Maldini suggested his involvement. The surprise appointment, unveiled on FEBRUARY 16 in BERGAMO, underscores the Federation’s confidence in both men. Weeks of talks preceded Maldini’s acceptance of the technical director position at the Italy camp, a job fashioned to bring structure and consistency to the Nazionale. The newly created advisor role is intended to give the Federation a clearer strategic direction. The technical staff now includes Maldini as technical director and Leonardo as special advisor. On FEBRUARY 16 in BERGAMO, AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo met before the Serie A clash between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. The scene was captured in a photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images. The meeting took place ahead of the Serie A match at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.

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Malagò told TG2 Post, “From the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant, because there is a lot of work to be done, it’s going to be a tough challenge.” He added, “I am pleased too, because I have great respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin.” Leonardo, a Brazilian who turns 57 in September, played for Milan from 1997‑2001 and again in 2002‑03. After retirement, the Italian‑born talent scout became technical director for the 2008‑09 season and coach in 2009‑10 before a shock move to city rivals Inter in December, staying until the end of that season. His résumé later included a brief spell at Antalyaspor in 2017, a return to Milan as technical director in 2018‑19 alongside Maldini, and two periods at Paris Saint‑Germain from 2011‑13 and 2019‑22. Internal documents referenced the name Malag, and L‑R images show the duo with Bruno/Getty and other staff after matches at the Olimpico in Rome, where they observed AS Roma versus AC Milan. The photographs, credited to Luzzani and Getty, capture the pair beside the Saint‑Germain logo during the visit. These visuals underline the collaborative link between the two clubs and the national team setup.