Paolo Maldini Takes Over as Italy Technical Director After World Cup Qualifying Disaster

Paolo Maldini is back with Italy’s national team. The legendary former defender and captain has been appointed technical director of the Italian Football Federation, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Maldini’s brief is massive: oversee a complete rebuild of Italian football from the youth ranks up to the senior side. He will also have a direct say in selecting the next head coach, with an announcement expected soon. Working alongside him will be Brazilian football executive Leonardo, who has been named an advisor to the federation. The duo previously worked together successfully at Milan. The drastic shakeup comes after yet another failure on the biggest stage. Italy, under manager Gennaro Gattuso, sensationally failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the decisive playoff, they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, and the Italians were beaten on penalties. The four-time world champions have now missed three consecutive World Cups. With the federation forced into radical action, Maldini’s appointment is just the first step in what promises to be a long rebuilding process.