Italy Begins Reconstruction: Paolo Maldini Appointed Manager to Select New Coach

Italy, a notable absentee from recent World Cups, has initiated its football rebuilding process by appointing legendary former defender Paolo Maldini as its new manager. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officially announced the decision, tasking Maldini with the crucial responsibility of selecting the next national team coach.

Maldini, who previously captained AC Milan, accepted the offer after several days of deliberation. He was reportedly convinced by the freedom granted by the new FIGC president, Giovanni Malagò, to spearhead the restructuring of all national teams, from the senior squad to youth levels. The agreement spans four years and aims to restore Italy's standing in international football, with the 2030 World Cup as a key target.

This move comes after Italy's consecutive failures to qualify for the World Cups in 2018, 2022, and 2026, with their last appearance being in 2014. While they secured the Euro 2020 title, the inability to reach the World Cup finals has been a significant blow. Maldini's extensive experience in elite sports management, including his role in AC Milan's resurgence, is expected to bring valuable expertise to the task.

As part of the agreement, Brazilian official Leonardo will join as a consultant to Maldini. Together, they will identify Gennaro Gattuso's successor, who resigned after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs. Malagò expressed his confidence in Maldini, stating he was the ideal person to oversee the FIGC's technical sector. The collaboration between Maldini and Leonardo, both former Milan teammates with significant management backgrounds, is seen as a strategic move to revitalize the Italian national team.