Paolo Maldini Linked to Italian National Team Leadership Amid FIGC Crisis

The Italian football landscape is currently reeling from a systemic collapse following the national team’s failure to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. With the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) facing a leadership vacuum, the name of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has emerged as a primary candidate to facilitate steer the organization through its current turmoil.

The crisis reached a breaking point following a devastating playoff exit against Bosnia, which resulted in the departure of head coach Gennaro Gattuso. The fallout extended to the highest levels of administration, with FIGC President Gravina resigning and Gianluigi Buffon preparing to step down from his role as head of delegation. This institutional exodus has left the federation in a state of uncertainty, sparking intense debate over who possesses the credibility to rebuild the “Azzurri.”

Into this void steps the proposal of Beppe Bergomi. The SkySport analyst has publicly advocated for Paolo Maldini to take on a senior managerial or executive role within the FIGC, citing the former captain’s unparalleled experience and international standing.

The Case for Maldini’s Return

Bergomi’s endorsement is not merely based on sentiment. During a recent analysis of the federation’s transition, Bergomi emphasized that very few figures in Italian football possess both the passion and the proven administrative experience required for the task. He described Maldini as the “strongest Italian footballer” he ever played with, arguing that his profile is uniquely suited for a leadership role.

Maldini’s credentials extend beyond his playing days. While he is globally recognized for his 25-season tenure at AC Milan, he has also navigated the complexities of football governance. Between 2018 and 2023, Maldini served as the sporting director for AC Milan, providing him with direct experience in roster management and strategic planning. His role as a co-owner of the USL Championship club Miami FC demonstrates an ability to operate within different footballing ecosystems.

For a federation currently lacking a clear direction, Maldini represents a bridge between the glorious history of Italian football and the modern administrative requirements of the sport. His authority is global, and his reputation remains untarnished, making him a “safe pair of hands” in a period of extreme volatility.

The Race for the Technical Bench

While the debate over executive leadership focuses on Maldini, the search for a new head coach is centering on two of the most prominent names in Serie A: Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri. Both managers are currently under contract with their respective clubs, adding a layer of complexity to the FIGC’s recruitment process.

Allegri has already begun addressing the speculation. In a recent social media update, he touched upon the possibility of taking the helm of the national team, though he remained cautious regarding his current commitments.

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The contrast in roles is clear: while Allegri and Conte are viewed as the tactical solutions to fix the team’s on-field performance, the proposal for Maldini is about fixing the institution itself. The current sentiment suggests that a tactical change alone may not be enough to heal the rift caused by the World Cup qualification failure; a structural overhaul led by a figure of Maldini’s stature may be required.

A Legacy of Excellence

To understand why Maldini is the focal point of this discussion, one must appear at the sheer scale of his achievements. A one-club man who retired in 2009 at the age of 41, Paolo Maldini spent his entire professional career at AC Milan. His trophy cabinet is one of the most decorated in the history of the sport, including:

• Five UEFA Champions League/European Cup titles
• Seven Serie A titles
• Five UEFA Super Cups
• Two Intercontinental Cups
• One FIFA Club World Cup
• One Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana titles

On the international stage, Maldini earned 126 caps for Italy and served as captain for many years, earning the nickname “Il Capitano.” He holds the joint-record for the most appearances in European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals (8), alongside Paco Gento. This level of success provides him with a psychological advantage and a level of respect from players that few other candidates can match.

For readers unfamiliar with the FIGC structure, the federation oversees not just the national team but the entire governance of football within Italy, making the presidency and senior director roles significantly more influential than a standard club executive position.

What This Means for Italian Football

The potential appointment of Paolo Maldini would signal a shift toward “credibility-led” leadership. The resignation of President Gravina and the exit of Gattuso suggest that the previous regime’s approach was deemed insufficient by the footballing public and the athletes themselves. By bringing in a figure who is universally respected, the FIGC could potentially stabilize its internal politics and regain the trust of the fans.

However, the transition remains precarious. With the national team currently without a coach and the federation without a president, the window to implement these changes is narrow. The priority for the FIGC will be to balance the immediate need for a technical coach—likely Allegri or Conte—with the long-term need for a strategic leader like Maldini.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the federation will be the official announcement regarding the succession of the presidency and the appointment of the new national team manager. Until then, the “Maldini project” remains a compelling proposal to save Italian football from its deepest crisis in decades.

Do you believe Paolo Maldini is the right person to lead the FIGC, or should the focus remain solely on finding a new coach? Let us know in the comments.