Overview
- FIGC announced that Paolo Maldini accepted the role of technical director on Saturday, a post that gives him oversight of all national teams and the mandate to rebuild after recent failures.
- The federation confirmed that Leonardo will join Maldini as an adviser and that the pair will work with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò on the project.
- Maldini has no prior head-coaching record but served as AC Milan’s sporting director from 2019 to 2023, and the FIGC has reportedly agreed a four-year term to guide the programme through the 2030 cycle.
- Maldini is tasked with naming the next senior head coach to replace Gennaro Gattuso, and Italian media have widely cited Antonio Conte as a leading candidate without any formal appointment announced.
- Italy’s absence from World Cups in 2018, 2022 and 2026 has prompted this structural response that will focus on youth development, coaching hires and multi-year planning to rebuild fan confidence and on-field results.