Legendary defender Paolo Maldini is closing in on a return to the international stage, this time in a senior off-field capacity as the new technical director of the Italian national team. The move comes just hours after Giovanni Malagò's election as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), signalling a swift and ambitious overhaul of the Azzurri's technical leadership.
Sources close to the federation indicate that Maldini's appointment could be formalized in the coming days, with the former AC Milan captain considered the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between the FIGC's administrative vision and the on-pitch identity of the national team. The 57-year-old has previously served as technical director at Milan, helping to build the squad that won the 2021/22 Serie A title, and his return would be widely welcomed by fans and players alike.
The New FIGC Era Under Malagò
Giovanni Malagò's election as FIGC president marks a turning point for Italian football. Malagò, who also serves as president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), has long been a powerful figure in the country's sporting landscape. His arrival at the helm of the FIGC was followed almost immediately by reports of high-profile appointments, with Maldini's name at the top of the list.
Malagò's victory is seen as a mandate for change after a period of uncertainty for the Azzurri. The national team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and suffered an early exit from Euro 2024, prompting calls for structural reform. With the 2026 World Cup now under way and Italy not participating after another qualification failure, the focus has already shifted to building for the future.
"Malagò understands that restoring Italy's footballing pedigree requires more than just a good coach. He wants a technical director with unimpeachable credibility, and there is no one more respected in the game than Paolo Maldini," a FIGC source told Football Italia.
Maldini's Role and Responsibilities
As technical director, Maldini would oversee all aspects of the national team's sporting operations, from youth development to the senior side's methodology. He would work closely with the next head coach—with Antonio Conte also heavily linked to the bench—to define a unified playing philosophy across all age groups. His remit could also extend to scouting, player pathways, and the technical direction of the federation's Coverciano training centre.
Maldini's tenure at Milan demonstrated his ability to combine deep football knowledge with a clear strategic vision. He played a key role in signing talent like Rafael Leão, Mike Maignan, and Theo Hernandez, and his departure from the club in 2023 was met with widespread fan protests. His return to an official role would be a significant coup for the FIGC.
While the position of technical director has existed before, it has often lacked real influence. Under Malagò, the role is expected to carry far greater weight, with Maldini given the autonomy to shape the national team's identity from the ground up.
What This Means for Italy's Future
The double appointment of Maldini and Conte—if confirmed—would be a statement of intent from the new federation leadership. Italy remains one of the world's most storied football nations, but recent years have seen a decline in international competitiveness and a disconnect between the Serie A product and the national team.
Maldini's presence would immediately boost morale and marketability. His global reputation commands respect from players, coaches, and agents, potentially making Italy a more attractive destination for dual-nationality talents and encouraging top Italian youngsters to commit to the Azzurri pathway.
Moreover, the move signals a break from the FIGC's past tendency to recycle familiar faces without a clear long-term plan. By installing a figure of Maldini's stature in a powerful technical role, Malagò is effectively creating a football brain trust that can outlast any single coaching appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Paolo Maldini is set to become Italy's technical director under new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò.
- The appointment would reunite Maldini with a potential new head coach, with Antonio Conte also strongly linked to the role.
- Maldini's proven track record at AC Milan and his iconic status are expected to revitalise the national team's sporting structure.
- The move signals a significant shift in the FIGC's approach, prioritising long-term technical planning over short-term fixes.
- Italy will now focus on rebuilding towards the 2028 European Championship and beyond after missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
Quick Facts
New FIGC President: Giovanni Malagò (elected June 2026)
Prospective Technical Director: Paolo Maldini
Maldini's Playing Career: 25 years at AC Milan, 126 Italy caps
Previous Executive Role: Technical Director at AC Milan (2019–2023)
Reported Head Coach Target: Antonio Conte