​Paolo Maldini has not yet made up his mind about accepting the FIGC’s proposal to become Italy’s technical director, but Giovanni Malagò plans to decide soon, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that he will wait only until tomorrow for Maldini’s final decision. Maldini, the Italian football icon, remains the FIGC’s primary candidate for the pivotal role of technical director, a position that is crucial to the national team’s rebuilding process. The technical director is expected to play a significant part in selecting the head coach and to oversee the nationwide setup, from youth levels through the senior squad.
A planned meeting between Malagò and Maldini, set for Friday, did not take place, according to Gazzetta, and the FIGC President is now awaiting Maldini’s decision. Malagò has indicated that a final call will be made by the end of the week, effectively meaning he will wait only until tomorrow for Maldini’s answer.
The latest reports place Maldini at the center of discussions about Italy’s football future. As the figure tasked with shaping the strategic direction of the national teams, the technical director will influence coaching appointments, development pathways, and the coherence of Italy’s football philosophy across all levels. The outcome of Maldini’s decision could thus have far-reaching implications for Italy’s international performance and long-term competitive plans.
In parallel, Gazzetta notes that Malagò has already identified potential alternatives should Maldini decline the offer. While he remains confident that the Milan legend will accept, he has not yet begun formal talks with other candidates. Repubblica has named several names as possible substitutes if Maldini chooses not to take the role: Demetrio Albertini, Gianfranco Zola, and Giuseppe Bergomi are among the figures discussed as viable alternatives to Maldini’s candidacy.
The prospect of Maldini stepping into the technical director role has generated considerable attention across Italian football, not least because of Maldini’s storied career and his deep understanding of the national team’s culture and needs. If he accepts, Maldini would be responsible for guiding the strategic framework of Italy’s football programs, aligning coaching standards, talent development, and national team ambitions with a cohesive vision. If he declines, Malagò’s search will accelerate toward contingency plans and the exploration of the listed alternatives, with discussions expected to intensify as the end of the week approaches.
For now, observers and fans remain focused on Maldini’s decision and the timing of Malagò’s final call. The decision’s implications extend beyond the immediate appointment, signaling the direction Italy intends to take in its national team setup, investment in youth development, and the overall leadership structure that will steer the Azzurri in the coming years. As the clock ticks toward the end of the week, all eyes will be on Maldini’s verdict and the subsequent steps that Malagò will take, whether Maldini accepts, or the administration pivots to one of the alternative candidates.