Key overhaul for Italy Maldini and Leonardo as Azzurri direction shifts

Key images captured Paolo Maldini and Leonardo De Araujo at the packed Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo before the Serie A clash on February 16, 2019, signalling a fresh direction for Italy’s Azzurri. The Italian Football Federation announced that Maldini has accepted the technical director role while his former Milan teammate Leonardo will serve in an advisory capacity.

Maldini will become the new technical director of the Azzurri, a position that places him at the helm of national team planning. Leonardo De Araujo joins him as an advisor, bringing his experience as Club Sporting Director at AC Milan to the national set‑up.

Maldini currently serves as AC Milan’s Sporting Strategy & Development Director, overseeing the club’s long‑term sporting blueprint. Leonardo holds the Club Sporting Director role at the same club, adding elite club insight to the Italian project.

Together they will oversee the long‑term development of Italian football and are tasked with appointing the next head coach of the Azzurri. This mandate underscores the strategic importance of their appointments for the future of the national side.

Lorenzo Bettoni and Adam Summerton analysed the arrivals, discussing the vision they are expected to bring to Italia and the challenges ahead. Fans can follow further updates on the official Football Italia YouTube channel, which will detail the development strategy.