Italy and AC Milan Icon Paolo Maldini Appointed Italian Football Federation Technical Director

Italian football has turned to one of its most revered figures, Paolo Maldini, as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officially announced his appointment as the new Technical Director on Friday, July 11, 2026. The move signals a concerted effort to rebuild and revitalise the Azzurri's fortunes, particularly in the wake of the national team's unprecedented failure to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham Become First Pair to Net 6 Plus Goals in a Single FIFA World Cup.

Paolo Maldini's New Role

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

Maldini, 58, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, takes on a pivotal role that will see him oversee the entire FIGC technical sector, encompassing both the senior national team and the extensive youth national team setup. This comprehensive mandate reflects the federation's commitment to a holistic approach in addressing the recent decline of Italian football on the international stage.

A Dual Role with Sweeping Authority

In an unprecedented move, Maldini will also assume the dual responsibility of president of Club Italia, the body that governs all national teams across all age groups, for both men and women. This unique structure grants the former AC Milan captain ultimate authority over all sporting decisions within the federation, underlining the significant trust placed in his vision and leadership. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, who himself was elected on June 22, 2026, wasted no time in securing Maldini, stating, "Maldini has always been my target. I felt he was the right person to oversee the FIGC's technical sector."

His immediate priorities include spearheading the search for a new national team coach, following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in early April 2026. Gattuso stepped down after Italy's disappointing penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a European play-off for the 2026 World Cup on March 31, 2026. Reports suggest former Italy coaches Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are among the top candidates. Erling Haaland's Father Alfie Haaland Reacts to England’s VAR-Fuelled FIFA World Cup 2026 QF Win Over Norway.

Experience and a New Partnership

Maldini's appointment comes with a four-year commitment, with the ambitious goal of guiding Italy through the upcoming European Championships and towards the 2030 World Cup. He will not be working alone; the FIGC also confirmed that Leonardo, his former AC Milan teammate and ex-sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, will join him in an advisory capacity.

Maldini's illustrious playing career at AC Milan, spanning 25 seasons from 1984 to 2009, saw him lift five European Cups/UEFA Champions League titles and seven Serie A titles. He represented Italy 126 times, participating in four World Cups and three European Championships, reaching the finals of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000. After retiring as a player, he served as AC Milan's sporting director from 2019 to 2023, where he played a crucial role in orchestrating the club's 2021-22 Serie A triumph, their first in over a decade.

This high-profile appointment marks a significant turning point for Italian football, as the federation looks to leverage Maldini's unparalleled experience and winning mentality to navigate a challenging period and steer the Azzurri back to their rightful place among the global elite.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2026 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).