Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò has addressed ongoing discussions regarding the restructuring of Italian football, specifically clarifying the roles of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo within the national federation’s framework. Amidst broader debates concerning the governance of the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), Malagò’s comments focus on the potential integration of high-profile figures to bolster the technical leadership of the national team setup.
Clarifying the Roles of Maldini and Leonardo
Giovanni Malagò, acting in his capacity as the head of the Italian Olympic Committee, has publicly discussed the prospect of bringing former AC Milan legends Paolo Maldini and Leonardo into the FIGC hierarchy. According to reports surfacing in Italian media, the proposed structure would see Maldini assume the role of technical director and president of the “Club Italia”—the administrative body overseeing all national football teams—while Leonardo would serve in an advisory capacity.
These discussions occur at a time when the FIGC is navigating significant pressure to modernize its technical structure following recent tournament performances. Maldini, who previously served as the technical director at AC Milan until his departure in June 2023, remains one of the most respected figures in global football. Leonardo, who has held executive positions at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, brings extensive experience in international scouting and club management.
The Governance Context of the FIGC
The potential appointments are viewed within the context of the wider relationship between the FIGC and CONI. As the national governing body for sport in Italy, CONI maintains an oversight role, though the FIGC retains autonomy over its internal technical appointments. Malagò’s intervention highlights the desire from the Olympic committee to see a more robust, internationally experienced leadership team guiding the development of the Azzurri.
Historically, the “Club Italia” role has been pivotal in bridging the gap between youth development and the senior national team. By floating the names of Maldini and Leonardo, Malagò is signaling a move toward a model favored by many European federations, which relies on former players with proven administrative track records to oversee long-term strategy rather than short-term results.
Implications for Italian Football
If materialized, this shift would represent a departure from traditional federation appointments, which have often been filled by career administrators or long-term coaching staff. The inclusion of figures like Maldini would likely provide the FIGC with greater credibility in negotiations with top-tier clubs and international governing bodies, such as UEFA and FIFA.
However, the transition faces logistical and political hurdles. Any official appointment within the FIGC requires the approval of the federation’s executive board, currently led by President Gabriele Gravina. As of this report, there has been no formal confirmation from the FIGC that negotiations with Maldini or Leonardo have reached an advanced stage or that a contract has been offered.
Next Steps for the Federation
The football community in Italy awaits further clarity as the FIGC continues to evaluate its internal structure ahead of the next international window. While Malagò’s public comments have brought these names to the forefront, the ultimate decision rests with the FIGC’s electoral and executive bodies. Observers are looking toward the next FIGC board meeting for official confirmation regarding potential staffing changes or structural reforms.
For updates on the leadership of the Italian national team and official press releases from the federation, fans can monitor the official FIGC website. The evolution of this story remains a primary point of interest for those following the administrative future of the Azzurri.
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