Paolo Maldini has agreed to become Italy’s new technical director, with Leonardo joining as an advisor as the FIGC begins a major rebuild following the Azzurri’s World Cup disappointment.
Paolo Maldini is set to return to Italian football after agreeing to become the Italian Football Federation’s new technical director, taking charge of a newly created role aimed at leading the national team’s long-term revival.
According to reports from Italy, the Milan and Azzurri legend has accepted the proposal put forward by newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malagò after months of discussions. Maldini has reportedly signed a four-year contract on terms considered favourable to the federation.
Paolo Maldini è il nuovo Direttore Tecnico FIGC e Presidente del Club Italia 💙🇮🇹
▶️ https://t.co/uvOnDBHVqB#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/3dQxchABaJ
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) July 11, 2026
The 57-year-old will also serve as president of Club Italia, taking on a role that carries unprecedented responsibility within the federation. His duties will extend beyond selecting the next Italy head coach to overseeing the entire national team structure and player development pathway.
Joining Maldini in the new-look project is former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. The Brazilian is expected to provide strategic support as the federation begins its ambitious rebuilding process.
🚨🇮🇹 Leonardo as new Italian National Team advisor, done deal and here we go! 💣🫱🏻🫲🏼
Former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan director joins Italy project as right hand of new technical director Paolo Maldini. 💥 pic.twitter.com/qBgJt9kKcK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2026
The pair’s immediate priority will be appointing a new manager to guide the Azzurri into the next international cycle. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain among the leading candidates, although the final decision is expected to involve both Maldini and Leonardo.
The appointments come at a difficult period for Italian football following another disappointing World Cup campaign. Italy have now missed qualification for three consecutive World Cups, leaving many former players and supporters questioning the direction of the national team.
The FIGC hopes the arrival of Maldini will restore confidence and establish a clear vision for the future, with preparations already focused on returning Italy to the biggest stage at the next FIFA World Cup.
For Maldini, the move represents a return to a senior football role three years after his controversial departure as AC Milan’s technical director. This time, however, he takes on the challenge of rebuilding an entire national footballing identity, carrying the expectations of one of the sport’s most successful countries.
