Maldini Takes Italy Job, Reaches Out to Guardiola | OneFootball

After mulling it over for a while, Paolo Maldini has accepted the FIGC’s offer to be Italy’s new technical director. One of his first moves was an informal meeting with Pep Guardiola to gauge his availability, La Repubblica reports.

In a surprise move, the exec is being joined by Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. In addition to being teammates, the two worked briefly together at Milan for a season a few years ago. The legendary defender had turned down multiple offers, mostly from abroad, after being exiled by Gerry Cardinale in 2023.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò convinced Maldini to get back on the saddle by offering a very vast role. He’ll also helm Club Italia and, therefore, oversee all the youth national teams too. The goal is to give the Azzurri a team-like structure, with the end game of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

The new officials will consider the two leading candidates to coach Italy, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, but they might also expand the field. The willingness to take on a four-year project could be a factor. For instance, Stefano Pioli and Andrea Pirlo, who have ties with both, could emerge as options. Thiago Motta is an outside candidate as well. The duo could also speak with Didier Deschamps after the World Cup, should he leave France as expected.

Our Take on Maldini

His track record behind the desk isn’t unimpeachable, but it’s nice for the Federation to land their top target. If the same happens with the Azzurri gaffer, which, ideally, should be either Conte or Guardiola, then things would finally be on the up and up.