Paolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian Football Federation

Legendary former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This move is part of a broader reconstruction effort aimed at revitalizing Italian football following the national team's disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

FIGC President Giovanni Malago announced Maldini's acceptance of the role with "great satisfaction." The federation, which oversees Italian football, issued a brief statement confirming the appointment. Former PSG and AC Milan sporting director Leonardo is set to join Maldini as an advisor.

Maldini's primary challenge will be to lift the team's spirits after their consecutive misses for the World Cup. Italy also failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, with their last appearance being in Brazil 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Despite winning the Euro 2020 championship, the team has struggled to maintain its elite international status.

Giovanni Malago, recently elected as the new FIGC president, faces the urgent task of appointing a new national team coach. This position became vacant after Gennaro Gattuso resigned following Italy's loss in the World Cup 2026 playoff. Antonio Conte, who previously managed the national team from 2014 to 2016, is reportedly a strong candidate for the coaching role.