Italy football federation narrows coach shortlist as Maldini backs Pirlo

The FIGC has appointed former Milan captain Paolo Maldini as technical director, working with advisor Leonardo and federation president Giovanni Malagò. Together they are preparing a shortlist for the vacant Italy national‑team head‑coach job after the Azzurri missed three consecutive World Cups.

Maldini’s preferred candidate is 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo, whom he describes as a “pragmatic visionary” and the most suitable choice to lead the team into the Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. The shortlist also includes Pep Guardiola, whose potential appointment was highlighted by Malagò (“Nadie puede negar que sería muy importante tener a Pep Guardiola como entrenador nacional”), as well as former coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.

Sports minister Andrea Abodi praised Maldini, saying “Maldini una garanzia, ha storia in campo e fuori”. The federation expects a decision by late July, after a meeting between Malagò, Maldini and Leonardo to finalise the list. In parallel, technical director Maldini is reportedly preparing a role for former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon within the new Club Italia structure.