Maldini closing in on decision to take over in Italy national team set-up | OneFootball

Wednesday’s reports claim that Milan and Azzurri legend Paolo Maldini is closing in on a decision to return to the Italy national team set-up in the role as technical director.

Maldini close to giving his ‘yes’ to Italy

Newly-appointed FIGC President Giovanni Malago is looking to rebuild the management of the Italy national team following the departures of Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon after the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup earlier this year.

Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain the frontrunners for the role of head coach, but reports over the last few weeks have made it clear that Malago wishes to appoint a new technical director before making a final decision on the next CT.

Maldini has been touted as Malago’s favourite for the position of technical director, but the Milan legend has not yet given his go-ahead.

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)

However, according to Wednesday’s updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini is now closing in on giving his approval to joining the Italy set-up. The FIGC are reportedly optimistic, while Malago feels that he will have a final decision by the end of the week, if not by the end of the weekend.

Maldini, meanwhile, is said to be excited by the prospect of having near-full control over the Italy national team and the fact that he will be able to have a major impact on the development of the nation’s youth talents.