Paolo Maldini has been appointed technical director of Italy’s national football teams as the Italian Football Federation begins a major overhaul following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former AC Milan captain has also been named president of Club Italia, giving him oversight of the country’s entire national team structure, from the youth ranks to the senior men’s side. He will help shape the federation’s technical direction and play a key role in appointing Italy’s next head coach.
Former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil international Leonardo Araújo has also joined the project as an advisor and will work alongside Maldini as part of the federation’s restructuring plans.
The appointments come after another disappointing period for Italian football. Despite winning UEFA Euro 2020, Italy have missed the last three FIFA World Cups, extending a remarkable decline for one of the game’s most successful nations.
New Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò has made the technical director role central to his plans to rebuild the national team, with Maldini expected to lead long-term development across all age groups.
One of Italy’s greatest players, Paolo Maldini won five UEFA Champions League titles and seven Serie A crowns during his illustrious career with AC Milan before later serving as the club’s technical director. Leonardo also brings significant executive experience from senior roles at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
