Paolo Maldini appointed as FIGC technical director

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has appointed football icon Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, signaling a comprehensive attempt to rebuild the national team after the country failed to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups. The move, confirmed by the federation on Saturday, July 11, 2026, reintegrates one of the most respected figures in Italian sport into the national framework at the lowest ebb of the Azzurri's modern history.

Maldini, 58, has signed a four-year contract on terms described by Gazzetta.it as favourable to the FIGC. The appointment is a centerpiece of the "Italian football revolution" led by new federation president Giovanni Malagò, who took office last month after heading the organizing committee for the Milano Cortina Olympics Winter Games. Malagò succeeded Gabriele Gravina, who resigned following Italy's shocking World Cup qualifying exit in April.

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In a development described as a surprise by Football Italia, Leonardo — Maldini's former AC Milan teammate and colleague — will join the project as an advisor and strategic consultant. The partnership reunites two managers who previously worked together in the front office at AC Milan, where Leonardo had previously served as technical director before bringing Maldini back to the club in 2018.

A New Blueprint for the Azzurri

The role created for Maldini is without precedent in the federation. Beyond his duties as technical director, Malagò has entrusted him with the presidency of Club Italia, the body overseeing national teams across all age groups for both men and women. This dual role grants Maldini sweeping authority over all sporting decisions and the entire national-team pathway, from youth setups to the senior squad.

The path to this agreement was not seamless. Sportal reported that negotiations hit a snag over logistical concerns, specifically the requirement for a permanent move to Rome, which was initially deemed incompatible with Maldini's lifestyle. Malagò had previously hinted at the difficulty of the negotiations through cryptic statements, though he maintained his intent to secure the appointment.

Speaking to Tg2 Post, Malagò explained the necessity of the partnership with Leonardo:

"For two weeks we discussed ideas and projects, and Maldini immediately told me it would be right to involve Leonardo as a consultant because the work is a lot, demanding, and challenging. I have profound respect for Leonardo; they are two sides of the same coin."

Giovanni Malagò, FIGC President, via Tg2 Post

The Search for a New Coach

The most urgent priority for the new technical leadership is identifying a successor to Gennaro Gattuso and interim replacement Silvio Baldini. Gattuso departed after a March defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in a World Cup play-off.

Several candidates have emerged, though their viability varies by financial and contractual constraints:

• Antonio Conte: A favorite of Malagò who previously led Italy from 2014 to 2016. However, Sportal reports he has faced a competing offer from Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad worth 20 million euros net per year, five times the FIGC's capacity.
• Roberto Mancini: A financially viable option who might accept 2 million euros per year. However, some Serie A clubs remain displeased by his 2023 departure from the national team to work in Saudi Arabia.
• Carlo Ancelotti: Considered a complicated option as he is under contract with the Brazilian federation (CBF) through 2030, despite heavy criticism in the Brazilian press following the Seleção's round of 16 elimination by Norway.
• Pep Guardiola: Mentioned by Cronache della Campania as a name fueling the debate.

Malagò has emphasized that he will not make a unilateral decision, stating it is "right and respectful" to share the choice of the new coach with Maldini.

Maldini's Legacy and Return

This appointment marks Maldini's return to high-level administration three years after an acrimonious exit as AC Milan's technical director. He brings a pedigree that includes 126 to 127 caps for Italy (depending on the source) and a playing career where he captained the national side from 1993 to 2002. At the club level, he won seven Serie A titles and five European Cups with Milan.

The return has already sparked enthusiasm among players. Sandro Tonali, recently interviewed at Malpensa Airport prior to his move to Tottenham, stated, I’d really like that. We haven’t spoken yet, but it’s definitely exciting to work with him again, according to Sportal.

What to watch next:

• Nations League Return: Italy's new setup faces Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on September 25, in a group that also includes France and Turkey.
• Long-term Goal: The four-year commitment aims to lead the Azzurri through the next European Championship and toward the 2030 World Cup.