Paolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian National Football Team
Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malagò announced Paolo Maldini as the new technical director of the Italian national team, with Leonardo serving as advisor. The appointment follows weeks of deliberation, as Maldini considered the offer amid other opportunities. The move aims to restructure the national team’s leadership and prepare for upcoming international competitions. Serie A has pledged support for the process.
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Italy Appoints Maldini and Leonardo in Football Revolution, Opening Door for Guardiola
Following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup and a deep institutional crisis, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched a major restructuring. New FIGC president Giovanni Malagò appointed legendary former defender Paolo Maldini as technical director, with Brazilian executive Leonardo joining the decision-making process. The appointments aim to rebuild the national team's identity, restore credibility, and modernize Italian football. The article suggests these changes could pave the way for Pep Guardiola to become Italy's head coach, as the federation seeks a high-profile figure to lead the Azzurri's revival. Maldini's experience at AC Milan and Leonardo's global network are seen as key assets for the reconstruction project.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertPaolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director to Lead Italy Back to World Cup
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has appointed legendary defender Paolo Maldini (58) as Technical Director of the four-time world champion, aiming to end Italy's streak of missing three consecutive World Cup tournaments. Maldini, who played in four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002) and holds the record for most World Cup appearances by an Italian player (23), will be assisted by Brazil World Cup winner Leonardo (56), his former AC Milan teammate who also holds Italian citizenship. The position of national team coach remains vacant, with former Italy managers Antonio Conte (56) and Roberto Mancini (61) considered frontrunners to succeed Gennaro Gattuso (48). Maldini previously served as Technical Director at AC Milan from 2019 to 2023. The appointment comes as Italy seeks to return to the global stage after failing to qualify for the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups.
BILD - SportMaldini and Leonardo Reunite to Lead Italy's 2030 World Cup Bid
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has appointed legendary AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini as technical director and president of Club Italia, with former teammate Leonardo serving as advisor. The move follows Giovanni Malagò's election as FIGC president on June 22, 2026, with 68.58% of the vote, after Italy's failure to qualify for the last three World Cups. Maldini and Leonardo, who won the 1999 Scudetto together at Milan and later worked as executives at the club, will lead efforts to rebuild Italian football and qualify for the 2030 World Cup. Leonardo, a Brazilian with Italian citizenship, notably defeated Italy in the 1994 World Cup final while playing for Brazil.
Fútbol en AS.comMaldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian National Team
Paolo Maldini, the former AC Milan director and legendary defender, has been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian national team. He accepted a four-year contract, marking his return to the national setup after a successful playing career and recent executive role at AC Milan. The announcement was made on July 11, 2026, by Portuguese sports newspaper Record. The article also includes brief mentions of other Italian football news, such as Fiorentina's interest in Real Madrid's young duo Thiago Pitarch and Víctor Valdepeñas, Atalanta midfielder Éderson's failed transfer to Manchester United, and AC Milan's signing of Spanish defender Mario Gila from Lazio.
RecordItaly Appoints Paolo Maldini as Technical Director, Leonardo as Advisor for World Cup Mission
Italy, having missed the last three World Cups, has launched a major restructuring effort to qualify for the next tournament. On July 11, 2026, the Italian Football Federation announced the appointment of legendary defender Paolo Maldini as technical director, with former player and executive Leonardo serving as his advisor. This unprecedented role gives Maldini oversight of all Italian national teams, including coaching, training, and scouting pathways. The two men will also play a key role in selecting the next head coach. The appointments signal Italy's determination to avoid missing a fourth consecutive World Cup and to restore the national team's competitiveness.
Home Football - actualitésPaolo Maldini appointed technical director of Italy with Leonardo as advisor
Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of technical director of the Italian national football team, as announced by the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago. He will be assisted by Leonardo, former sporting director of PSG and AC Milan, in an advisory role. The duo, both former AC Milan figures, will lead the reconstruction of the Italian national team. Their first major task is to select the next head coach. Two candidates are being considered: Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory in the 2021 European Championship, and Antonio Conte, both former managers of the national team. Mancini is currently considered the favorite for the coaching position.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuPaolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director of Italy
Italy, absent from the 2026 World Cup for a third consecutive time, is undergoing a quiet restructuring. Following the election of Giovanni Malago as head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after Gabriele Gravina's resignation, the federation has appointed AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini as technical director. Maldini, who had been without a role since leaving AC Milan in June 2023, will work alongside Leonardo, former sporting director of PSG, who has been appointed as an advisor to President Malago. The announcement was made on July 11, 2026, confirming weeks of speculation. This move is part of Italy's broader efforts to rebuild its national team program after recent failures.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMaldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian National Team, Reunites with Leonardo
Italian Football Federation President Malagò announced at a press conference that Paolo Maldini will become the new technical director of the Italian national team management committee for all levels. Simultaneously, Leonardo will serve as a national team advisor. This marks a reunion for Maldini and Leonardo, who previously worked together at AC Milan. The announcement was reported by Sky Italia and covered by Hupu Football News on July 12.
虎扑 - 足球Italian Football Federation Awaits Paolo Maldini's Decision on Technical Director Role
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is awaiting a final decision from Paolo Maldini regarding the newly created role of Technical Director and President of the Italian National Team System. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has expressed optimism, stating that Maldini remains the top choice due to his achievements as both a player and manager. Despite hopes for an announcement yesterday, the response has been delayed, making today and tomorrow decisive. The delay is reportedly due to an unresolved external job offer Maldini received prior to the FIGC's invitation. Once this matter is settled, both parties are expected to proceed with a long-term plan to restore the Italian national team to top-tier status. Malagò has not contacted any alternative candidates and remains patient, with a final answer expected by tomorrow evening.
虎扑 - 足球Malagò to Propose Maldini as Italy Technical Director
Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has publicly declared his intention to appoint legendary former defender Paolo Maldini as Italy's new technical director. The announcement signals a major move to bring Maldini's extensive experience and leadership into the national team's sporting structure. No further details on timing or contractual terms were provided. The story was reported by AS Football, a Spanish sports news outlet.
Fútbol en AS.comMaldini Seriously Considering Role as Italian National Team Technical Director
According to Italian Sky Sports journalist Di Marzio, Paolo Maldini is seriously considering an offer to become the technical director of the Italian national football team. Newly elected Italian Football Federation President Malagò extended the invitation, and while there were initial difficulties, the likelihood of an agreement is now increasing with positive signs emerging. If Maldini accepts the position, Italy will soon enter the phase of selecting a new head coach. The report, published on July 2, 2024, indicates that Maldini has not yet given a final affirmative response but is actively weighing the opportunity.
虎扑 - 足球Malagò: National Team Technical Director and Coach to Be Appointed Within a Week; Serie A Pledges Support
Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò announced that the Italian national football team will have a new technical director and head coach appointed within a week. The statement comes amid ongoing restructuring of the Italian football federation. Serie A, the top professional football league in Italy, has expressed its full support for the process. The announcement is expected to clarify the leadership structure for the national team, which has faced uncertainty following recent events. The appointments are seen as crucial for Italy's preparations for upcoming international competitions.
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