The Italian Football Federation reported rising optimism that Paolo Maldini will accept the role of technical director following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. New FIGC president Giovanni Malago held his first federal council meeting Wednesday and set the technical director appointment as a priority before finalizing the head coach position.
Maldini remains undecided but signals from his camp have become "increasingly positive," with sources expecting a definitive answer within days. The Milan legend and former captain is the federation's clear first choice for the role after Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence.
If Maldini declines, the FIGC may appoint two individuals instead: one as President of Club Italia and another as sporting director. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are frontrunners to become head coach. Current coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned after the qualifying campaign failure, along with delegation head Gianluca Buffon and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.