Speculation is mounting that Paolo Maldini may refuse the opportunity to become the technical director for the Italian national team. Should he decline, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is reportedly considering Claudio Ranieri and a potential return for Gianluigi Buffon for the crucial role.
The new FIGC President, Giovanni Malagò, had included the establishment of a technical director position within his platform for the revitalization of the national team.
Key Role in Coach Selection
This role, which has been absent from the Azzurri’s structure, is envisioned to be instrumental in shaping the future of the team. The plan appears to be to first appoint a technical director, who would then be empowered to select the new head coach.
The objective is to ensure alignment and a shared vision between the technical director and the chosen coach for the long-term success of the Italian squad.
While Maldini was initially the top choice, recent reports from Sport Mediaset suggest he is leaning towards a rejection. Sky Sport Italia has since corroborated this, indicating his apparent reluctance for the position.
In light of this, transfer market analyst Gianluca Di Marzio has highlighted other potential candidates for the technical director role. Among them is former Roma coach and director, Claudio Ranieri.
Another possibility is Gianluigi Buffon. However, this option might present challenges, given that Buffon recently stepped down from his role as Head of Delegation only a few months ago, following the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs.
Previously, Buffon served as team manager, a position primarily focused on team morale and locker room support rather than strategic decision-making. If he were to return, it would be in a significantly different capacity, with the authority to oversee the selection of the new coach.