말디니, 신임 FIGC 회장 말라고 체제 하에서 이탈리아 기술 감독직에 근접

Paolo Maldini is set to take on the role of Italy’s technical director under new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, with the Milan legend identified as the ideal figure to bridge the gap between the federation and Serie A clubs as Italian football embarks on what Malagò has described as a period of “lucid folly.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini’s appointment is considered virtually done, making him the first major piece of Malagò’s Italian football revolution to fall into place.

The role of technical director would see Maldini act as a liaison between the coaching staff, the clubs and the players, taking pressure off the incoming head coach and ensuring a more cohesive national football structure.

EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Massara also linked with role as Malagò builds new-look Italy football structure

Ricky Massara, Maldini’s former colleague and subsequently sporting director at Roma, is also understood to be under consideration for a supporting role within the new Italy etup.

The combination of Maldini and Massara would bring considerable experience at the highest level of Italian and European club football to a federation that has been crying out for exactly that kind of credibility.

Malagò has been careful to stress that the technical director must be appointed before the head coach, as the two roles are intrinsically linked, the director should have direct input into who takes charge of the Azzurri on the touchline.

With Maldini now expected to take that role, the next step is identifying the coach who will work alongside him, a decision that is expected to take several more weeks.