Malagò appoints Maldini as technical director, Leonardo as advisor for Italian football

Giovanni Malagò, the newly elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has made significant appointments, bringing Paolo Maldini and Leonardo into key leadership roles. After a period of negotiation, Malagò has secured Maldini as the technical director and Leonardo as an advisor, with both set to serve four-year terms.

Maldini, a legendary figure for AC Milan and the Italian national team, was a long-sought candidate for the technical director position. The addition of Leonardo, a former player, coach, and executive with extensive international experience, represents a surprising but impactful move. Malagò expressed his "satisfaction" with Maldini's acceptance of the role, emphasizing that he will work alongside Leonardo in his capacity as advisor.

Both Maldini and Leonardo share a storied history with AC Milan, having played together during their careers. Leonardo, born in 1969, also coached Milan and held an executive position at Paris Saint-Germain. Maldini, 58, is celebrated as an icon of AC Milan and represented Italy 126 times, captaining the national team on 74 occasions.

These appointments mark the first major steps in Malagò's restructuring of the FIGC. The immediate next priority is the selection of a new head coach for the Italian national team. While Maldini and Leonardo are reportedly not prioritizing Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini remains a potential candidate. The possibility of a third name, possibly Pep Guardiola, is also being considered, especially given his potential availability after leaving Manchester City. In the interim, before a permanent coach is appointed, a caretaker manager may lead the team for upcoming Nations League matches starting in September.