Paolo Maldini has agreed to become the new technical director and president of Club Italia, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Thursday. The appointment, confirmed by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, comes after a period of negotiation and represents a significant shift in the structure of the national governing body. Alongside Maldini, former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo will join as an advisor.
Maldini’s role will encompass a broad remit, extending beyond the senior national team to oversee the entire youth development pathway within Italian football. He will play a key role in the selection of the next Italy head coach, a process Malagò indicated will be a collaborative one. The move signifies a commitment to rebuilding the national team following recent disappointments, with a particular focus on preparation for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
The former defender has signed a four-year contract with the FIGC, with terms described as financially favourable for the federation. Maldini and Leonardo will immediately begin discussions regarding potential candidates for the national team manager position, assessing whether previously circulated names align with their vision. Malagò stated he had refrained from engaging with any potential candidates prior to Maldini’s appointment to ensure a unified decision-making process.
Malagò expressed his delight at securing Maldini, stating he had always considered him the ideal candidate to oversee the technical sector of the FIGC, encompassing all national youth teams as well as the senior squad. He highlighted the extensive workload and challenging nature of the role, emphasizing his satisfaction at Maldini’s suggestion to involve Leonardo as a consultant, citing their shared expertise. The president outlined a four-year plan aimed at reaching the 2030 World Cup, with the upcoming European Championship serving as a crucial stepping stone.
Maldini spent his entire playing career at AC Milan, winning numerous Serie A titles and five Champions League crowns. He previously served as technical director at Milan before departing in 2023. Leonardo’s experience includes directorial roles at Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the Italian setup. This appointment aims to leverage their combined experience to revitalize Italian football and restore the national team to a position of prominence.
