Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The announcement was made by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò through an official note. Maldini, former defender of Milan and the Italian national team, will also serve as president of Club Italia.

The official FIGC note states: "With satisfaction, the President of the FIGC, Giovanni Malagò, announces that Paolo Maldini has accepted the position of Technical Director of the Federation. Paolo Maldini will carry out this role together with Leonardo in the capacity of Advisor. Giovanni Malagò will also entrust Paolo Maldini with the presidency of Club Italia."

Leonardo, a Brazilian former player and executive who has worked at clubs including Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, will serve as advisor to the technical area of the national team. He is described in some accounts as a trusted associate of Maldini.

Maldini, Leonardo, and Malagò will be tasked with identifying the new head coach of the Italian national team. Regarding the candidates for the head coaching position, ANSA has mentioned the names of Mancini and Conte, while also noting the possibility of a third option, with Guardiola being cited as a possibility.

Former Italian national team head coach Roberto Donadoni commented on the appointment, stating that beyond the names involved, ideas, programs, and the willingness to delegate to capable people are needed in order to return Italian football to the expected levels, and that patience from the entire movement will be required.

The appointments of Maldini and Leonardo represent one of the first decisions of the new federal leadership under Malagò, with the stated goal of strengthening the technical structure of the national team.