Report Maldini to reject new Italy technical director role

Sport Mediaset claim that Paolo Maldini is leaning towards turning down the role of technical director of the Italy squad, if offered by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò.

There had been multiple reports over the last few days that the new President of the Italian Football Federation identified Maldini as the ideal figure to take control of the Nazionale.

This would be in a role that so far does not exist within the Italian national team, that of technical director, moulding the position around the former Milan legend.

Maldini not eager for Italy role

NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 12: Paolo Maldini AC Milan Technical director and Stefano Pioli AC Milan look on coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on July 12, 2020 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

However, Sport Mediaset report this afternoon that Maldini has taken it into consideration and is leaning towards turning down the proposal.

The ex-player had 126 senior caps for his country and won everything possible at club level for Milan, then went into a directorial role at San Siro in 2018.

He was sacked as technical director in June 2023 amid controversy, and arguably the side has never quite managed to recover any kind of stability.

Paolo Maldini meeting with Fenerbahce Presidential candidate Hakan Safi (Instagram)

Maldini refused several other interesting jobs since then, and was most recently ready to help run Fenerbahce if Hakan Safi won the election, but missed out to Aziz Yildirim.