Paolo Maldini joins Italy's national team

Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has officially returned to the national team setup after being appointed as the new Technical Director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The appointment marks the beginning of a major rebuilding project following Italy's disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former AC Milan captain has signed a four-year contract that will run until 2028. Alongside his new role as Technical Director, Maldini will also serve as President of Club Italia, overseeing the development of Italy's football structure from the senior national team down to the youth levels.

New FIGC president Giovanni Malagò described Maldini as his first choice for the role, praising his leadership and football expertise. Malagò also confirmed that former AC Milan teammate Leonardo will join the federation as an advisor, reuniting the pair in a bid to restore Italy's status among world football's elite.

Maldini's immediate priority will be helping appoint a new head coach after Gennaro Gattuso's departure and leading the long-term overhaul of Italian football. The project aims to rebuild the Azzurri after their unprecedented third consecutive failure to reach the FIFA World Cup.

The appointment has been widely welcomed by Italian football fans, who hope one of the country's greatest-ever players can inspire a new era of success for the four-time world champion.

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