Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has taken on the role of technical director for the FIGC, the national football federation, as the organization seeks a fresh start following Italy’s failure to reach three straight World Cup tournaments. FIGC president Giovanni Malago identified Maldini as his top choice for the position, highlighting his belief that the former defender is uniquely qualified to lead the federation’s technical operations. This initiative is part of a strategic four-year plan aiming to restore the national team’s status ahead of the 2030 World Cup and the upcoming European Championship.
In this newly created, broad-reaching role, Maldini will oversee the senior men’s and women’s teams as well as all youth squads through his leadership of Club Italia. He will be assisted by former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo. A top priority for Maldini and Malago will be appointing a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down as head coach following a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Speculation currently points to former coach Antonio Conte as a primary candidate.
Maldini’s career includes 126 international appearances and immense success at AC Milan, where he won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies. Having previously served as AC Milan’s sporting director from 2019 to 2023, he is now tasked with returning the Azzurri to their former position among the world’s elite football nations.
