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League: Serie ASport: SoccerCountry: ItalyCategory: Transactions

Maldini accepts role as Italy's new technical director with Leonardo as advisor

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 7:20 PM

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Maldini accepts role as Italy's new technical director with Leonardo as advisor
Summary

Paolo Maldini has been appointed the new technical director of Italy's national soccer team. He will collaborate with Leonardo, his former teammate, in an advisory role. The Italian Football Federation created this position as part of its efforts to rebuild after Italy's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. Both Maldini and Leonardo will begin by searching for a new head coach to lead Italy into the next competitive cycle, continuing the federation's project aimed at revitalizing the national team.

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Key Details
  • •Maldini signs a four-year contract with the FIGC.
  • •The role includes overseeing the entire national-team pathway.
  • •Leonardo joins Maldini in an advisory capacity.
  • •The federation aims to identify a new head coach soon.
  • •Italy has not qualified for three consecutive World Cups.
Latest Updates
  • 11:05 AMYahoo Sports — Maldini’s Italy revolution starts now: Key decisions that will shape the future
  • 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Official: Maldini appointed FIGC technical director in Italy national team revolution
  • 10:03 PMYahoo Sports — Maldini appointed technical director at Italian Football Association
  • 9:29 PMESPN Soccer — Maldini, Leonardo hired for Italy team rebuild
  • 8:20 PMYahoo Sports — Italy icon Maldini gets key role with Italian FA
  • 7:20 PMYahoo Sports — Maldini to become new Italy technical director; joined by Leonardo as advisor
What they're saying
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Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the Italian Football Association’s new technical director. The former Italy and AC Milan defender, who also served as the Serie A side’s technical director until 2023, will be advised in his new role by former Milan player, head coach and director Leonardo, the Italian FA (FIGC) said.

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Italian football icon Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of the national football federation (FIGC) looking to rebuild after Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup."Maldini has always been my target," said newly-appointed FIGC president Giovanni Malago.

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The Italian football federation took another step Saturday toward a rebuild of their national team by hiring Paolo Maldini as technical director and former Brazil international and 1994 World Cup winner Leonardo as advisor.

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AC MilanSerie ASoccer

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