​Paolo Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director has generated positive reactions nationwide, with fans and Azzurri legends alike expressing confidence and excitement.Italy’s football federation (FIGC) confirmed Maldini’s appointment on Saturday night, announcing that the ex-defender will be joined by Leonardo, who has been hired as an advisor.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementItaly turned the World Cup into a TV event for the third consecutive time; meanwhile, MelBet Tanzania kept football fans entertained with a thrilling tournament, which has seen France, Spain, Argentina and England qualify for the semi-finals.Italy were desperate to rebuild, and Maldini’s appointment marks the start of a new project that will see the Azzurri legend take on a commanding role.Along with Leonardo, Maldini will identify the ideal candidate to coach the Italian national team. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are seen as the frontrunners, but other names are starting to emerge in the Italian media, even some intriguing ones like Pep Guardiola and Didier Deschamps.While waiting for a new coach, the first big decision by the new FIGC President, Giovanni Malagò, has undoubtedly garnered significant approval.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDino Zoff, who coached Maldini during Euro 2000, which the Azzurri lost in the Final to France, said: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts.”A 1982 Italy World Cup winner, Zoff is confident Maldini will make a wise decision regarding the new Italy head coach: “Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference,” he said.Zoff was echoed by ex-Milan star Alessandro Costacurta, who spent many years with Maldini and won numerous trophies at San Siro.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” said the former defender.BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach.Leonardo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” Costacurta concluded.“The best thing about them is t