Italian legend Paolo Maldini has been appointed as FIGC’s new technical director on a four-year contract.
New president Giovanni Malago, who changed Gabriele Gravina final month, appointed Maldini as a part of ongoing governance reforms following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The previous AC Milan and Italy defender held the identical function on the Rossoneri from 2019 to 2023, the place he additionally served as sporting director after an illustrious enjoying profession at San Siro, the place he received 5 European Cups.
Maldini will probably be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo in an advisory function, with their contract set to run till the top of the 2030 World Cup.
Paolo Maldini appointed as new FIGC technical director and Membership Italia president
For extra particulars: https://t.co/ZUPhLObvxs#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/fG8G4Odu5Y
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) July 12, 2026
“Maldini was all the time my first alternative,” Malago mentioned. “We felt that he was the proper particular person to supervise the technical division at FIGC, which covers not solely the senior nationwide crew, but additionally the whole youth nationwide crew.
“Over the previous two weeks we mentioned all of the initiatives intimately and Paolo instantly advised us that he can be glad to hitch Leonardo as a guide as there was numerous work to do and it will be demanding and difficult.
“I am very glad as a result of I’ve numerous respect for Leonardo. They’re two sides of the identical coin. This can be a four-year endeavor that has to take us from right here to the following World Cup in 2030, and there’s additionally a European Championship on the best way.”
Maldini is Italy’s third most capped participant (126), behind 2006 World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon (176) and Fabio Cannavaro (136).
The 58-year-old was additionally a part of the Azzurri crew that completed runners-up on the 1994 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.
Maldini has been tasked with appointing the brand new Italian nationwide crew coach, with Roberto Mancini reportedly being seen because the doubtless candidate to exchange Gennaro Gattuso.
