Paolo Maldini new technical director at FIGC: Italy moves

Paolo Maldini new technical director at FIGC: Italy moves

According to Vi.

Background

Paolo Maldini, a legend of AC Milan and Italian football, returns in a leading role at the FIGC. His experience as technical director at AC Milan will help him navigate the challenges of Italian football, especially after recent disappointments on the world stage.

Why this matters

The appointment of Paolo Maldini as technical director of the FIGC marks an important change of direction for Italian football, especially after the failed World Cup qualification. Maldini's experience and knowledge of the game are crucial in restructuring the national team and developing young talent. With the UEFA Nations League on the horizon, it is very important that Italy becomes competitive at the highest level again.

Key points

• Paolo Maldini new technical director at FIGC: Italy moves.
• Italy restructures the football association: Maldini becomes technical director, Leonardo advisor.
• Icon Maldini comes to Italy's aid in football crisis.

Paolo Maldini returns to the heart of Italian top football. The former defender has been appointed as technical director by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Chairman Giovanni Malagò confirmed the appointment and at the same time announced that Leonardo will work in an advisory role. Shortly after the announcement via the ANSA news agency, official confirmation from the association also followed.

The intervention follows a new sporting blow for Italy. After another failed World Cup qualifying cycle, things changed in Rome. National coach Gennaro Gattuso left and chairman Gabriele Gravina also resigned after it became clear that the Azzurri would miss a third consecutive world championship. Malagò now has a new chairman, who consciously opts for a strong football technical block to change course.

Maldini was last active in football in 2023, as technical director of AC Milan. Leonardo, with whom he has already worked several times in Milan, now joins him as an advisor. The renewed tandem brings years of experience, both from the dressing room and the boardroom. That is exactly what the association is looking for now: stability, a clear sporting line and a clear flow of talent to the national team.

Maldini's appointment was preceded by some commotion. According to Italian media, his consideration took longer than hoped, partly because he may have had other commitments. As a result, names such as Demetrio Albertini, Gianfranco Zola and Giuseppe Bergomi were passed over in the rumor mill as alternative candidates. Ultimately, Malagò received the desired 'yes' from Maldini and the technical structure was completed with Leonardo as confidante.

The first assignment for the new technical heart is clear: appointing a national coach who will lead the sporting reconstruction. In June, the Azzurri played under interim coach Silvio Baldini in friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg. Italy awaits in September and Octoberthen a solid block in the Nations League, with matches against Belgium, twice Turkey and France. This series must lay the foundation for the restoration of sporting authority and a recognizable way of playing.

It is striking for the international landscape - and therefore also for Oranje followers - that a traditional superpower intervenes in this way after missing the World Cup. Italy is looking for a new foundation, with professional structures around scouting, selection building and youth advancement. The arrival of Maldini and Leonardo should ensure consistency in policy and selection choices towards the next major tournaments.

With Malagò as chairman and Maldini-Leonardo as the technical tandem, the FIGC is taking a new path. The coming weeks will mainly focus on choosing a new national coach and setting up a sharp sporting agenda. Italy wants to quickly make it clear that its recent disappointments will not become the norm – and that starts with decisiveness at the top.

What's happening now

Maldini's first task will be to find a new national coach who can lead the Azzurri to success in the upcoming UEFA Nations League. In addition, he will focus on creating a clear sporting vision and improving the flow of talent to the national selection. The collaboration with Leonardo as an advisor provides a strong basis for this restructuring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recent appointment of Paolo Maldini?

Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Who confirmed Maldini's appointment?

The appointment of Paolo Maldini has been confirmed by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò.

Why has this appointment been made now?

The appointment follows a failed World Cup qualifying cycle for Italy, which led to a change of course within the association.

What changes are there in the Italian Football Association?

In addition to Maldini's appointment, national coach Gennaro Gattuso has also left and chairman Gabriele Gravina has resigned.

What is Leonardo's role in the new structure?

Leonardo will work in an advisory role alongside Paolo Maldini, with whom he previously worked at AC Milan.

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