Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), tasked with rebuilding the national team after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The announcement was made by newly-elected FIGC president Giovanni Malago, who stated, "Maldini has always been my target. I felt he was the right person to oversee the FIGC's technical sector -- a role that encompasses not just the senior national team, but the entire youth national team setup."
Four-Year Commitment to Restore Azzurri Glory
Malago outlined a strategic plan, saying, "We are embarking on a four-year commitment designed to take us from now through the next World Cup in 2030, with the European Championship along the way." The 58-year-old Maldini will work alongside Leonardo, former sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, who will serve as his advisor, the FIGC confirmed. Maldini will also assume the presidency of Club Italia, the body overseeing all national teams across all age groups, both men's and women's. This dual role is unprecedented in the FIGC, granting Maldini ultimate authority over all sporting decisions.
Revitalising a Fallen Giant
Maldini's primary mission is to revitalise the Azzurri, who have lost their place among the global elite after missing out on the last three World Cup tournaments, despite winning the European Championship in 2021. The team's decline was highlighted by their failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and most recently, a play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March 2026 for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Urgent Search for New Head Coach
Maldini and Malago must quickly find a new head coach after Gennaro Gattuso, Maldini's former AC Milan teammate, resigned following Italy's penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a European play-off for the 2026 World Cup. Former Italian international Antonio Conte has been touted as a possible successor, having previously managed Italy from 2014 to 2016. Conte left Napoli after two seasons last month, making him available for the role.
Maldini's Illustrious Career
Maldini spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, winning seven Italian league titles and five Champions League trophies. He earned 126 caps for Italy, playing in four World Cups and three European Championships, with his best results being runner-up finishes in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000. After retiring as a player, he succeeded Brazilian Leonardo as AC Milan's sporting director in 2019, a position he held until 2023.
