​Dino Zoff has weighed in on Paolo Maldini’s appointment as the Italy national team’s technical director, stressing that Maldini should be free to pursue his own beliefs and implement the changes he deems necessary. Maldini was recently confirmed as the FIGC’s new technical director, signing a four-year contract that will keep him at the helm through to the 2030 World Cup. He will be accompanied by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will join as an advisor. The two will operate in close coordination with Giovanni Malago, who has been chosen to succeed Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC.
This development has been described as the start of a new era for Italy, a nation that has failed to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cup editions. “It’s a choice that I fully understand,” Zoff, the World Cup-winning captain and former Italy head coach, told Il Resto del Carlino. In a photo-filled moment from Rome, Zoff reflected on Maldini’s impact: “Paolo has given so much to our football, especially to Milan, but also to the national team. He was one of my players when I was in charge, and I can’t forget his father Cesare, who served as Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.”
Zoff described Maldini as a flawless choice in terms of character, charisma, and competence, and he supported the inclusion of Leonardo as an advisor. “It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts,” he said, emphasizing that Maldini should be allowed to follow his own convictions without external interference. He added that he did not name a successor coach because he did not want to pre-empt the process.
Commenting further on Maldini’s free rein, Zoff emphasized the importance of avoiding external influence over the national team’s direction. He stated that Maldini must have the autonomy to pursue his vision and make decisions aligned with his beliefs, noting that Zoff would not propose a candidate for the next coaching role.
When asked what guidance he would offer Maldini if given the chance, Zoff highlighted the need for clear delineation of roles and responsibilities within the organization. He spoke highly of Malago, acknowledging his familiarity with the football landscape, and urged a shared awareness across the federation regarding the current state of the national team and the broader football framework.
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to rebuild Italy’s national team structure after recent World Cup disappointments. Maldini’s leadership, coupled with Leonardo’s advisory role and Malago’s presidency, is viewed as the foundation of a renewed approach to Italy’s footballing ambitions. The coming years will reveal how this trio shapes the program, from development at the youth level to the selection and performance of the senior squad on the world stage.