Italy look to Ranieri or Buffon as technical director if Maldini says no | OneFootball

Reports are growing that Paolo Maldini will reject the chance to become Italy technical director, so other candidates include Claudio Ranieri and the return of Gigi Buffon.

New FIGC President Giovanni Malagò had as part of his platform the plan to revamp the Nazionale by appointing a figure as technical director.

Italy technical director will choose coach

BERGAMO – OCTOBER 30: Paolo Maldini looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Monza at Gewiss Stadium on October 30, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This is someone who the current Azzurri do not have, but his idea is seemingly to choose a technical director first, then allow that person to choose the new coach.

It is therefore hoped that the pair will be on the same page and have a shared vision for the future of the Italy squad.

Maldini had been the first choice, but after Sport Mediaset claimed this afternoon that the Milan legend was leaning towards saying no, now Sky Sport Italia confirm he seems reticent.

Instead, transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio points towards other candidates to be technical director, including former Roma coach and director Ranieri.

Another option would be Buffon, but this might be difficult because he only resigned a couple of months ago following the failure to get through the World Cup play-offs.

UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He had been team manager, which is more of a morale-boosting role within the locker room than having any decisional power.

If he was to come back, it would be with a very different position in charge of choosing the new coach.