Italy Considers Appointing Ranieri or Buffon as Technical Director if Maldini Declines

The Italian Football Federation is looking at new alternatives to fill the position of the national team's technical director, should Paolo Maldini decide to decline the role in the coming period, as part of a plan to restructure the national team.

Italian press reports stated that the new president of the Italian Football Federation, Giovanni Malagò, had included in his electoral program the idea of appointing a technical director for the national team to oversee the entire sports project, with the new coach being selected by him personally.

The reports clarified that this position does not currently exist within the structure of the Italian national team, but the proposed vision involves separating the selection of the technical director from the coach to ensure alignment of the technical vision between the two parties.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Paolo Maldini was the first choice for the position, but he shows significant hesitation and may lean towards declining the role.

Conversely, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio indicated that the Italian federation is considering other names for the position, including veteran coach Claudio Ranieri.

Gianluigi Buffon's name was also proposed as a potential option, although his return seems complicated after his resignation a few months ago, following the Italian team's failure to qualify for the World Cup through the European playoffs.

Buffon previously held the position of team manager, a role focused on moral aspects within the locker room without decision-making powers, whereas if he returns, his role would be entirely different with the responsibility of selecting the new national team coach.