Giovanni Malagò eyes Paolo Maldini as Italy's technical director

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini is the “ideal candidate” to become the technical director of the Italian national team. In a radio interview he added that he has set a deadline for the decision, stating, “Mi sono dato massimo questa settimana per tirare le somme.” Malagò stressed that the federation also has “plan B and possibly plan C” and that he has not spoken to any coaches yet, because the appointment of a head coach will be decided together with the technical director.

He highlighted the willingness of Serie A clubs to support the national team financially and logistically, noting a “climate of great collaboration and unity.” The discussion follows Italy’s recent failure to qualify for the World Cup, which led to the resignations of coach Gennaro Gattuso, team coordinator Gianluigi Buffon and former FIGC president Gabriela Gravina. Potential head‑coach candidates mentioned include Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. Malagò also referenced a six‑year plan up to Euro 2032 to rebuild the squad and develop young talent.