Rising optimism meets Maldini's hesitation on Italy role

Thursday’s reports show the FIGC’s newly‑elected president Giovanni Malago convened his first federal council meeting on Wednesday, pushing for a new technical director for the Italy national team, while former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini remains undecided about accepting the role. Malago has said the appointments will be finalised within a week. Paolo Maldini is the clear first‑choice to become Italy’s technical director. The federation aims to name a technical director before confirming a head coach. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are the leading candidates to return as senior coach.

Maldini close to Italy technical director job as vacancy persists

Thursday’s updates note increasingly positive signals from Maldini’s camp as hours pass. TMW optimism is on the rise. A photo from October 1, 2022 shows Paolo Maldini of AC Milan watching the Serie A clash between Empoli FC and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani. The image was captured by Gabriele Maltinti for Getty Images. If Maldini declines, the FIGC may split the role, appointing one figure as President of Club Italia and another as sporting director. The federation expects a definitive answer from Maldini within the next few days. This timeline matches Malago’s promise of a decision ‘within a week’.