Paolo Maldini Confirmed as Italy’s Best Choice: Bergomi Backs His Leadership Role

Paolo Maldini has been named Italy’s technical director by the FIGC, with Beppe Bergomi publicly endorsing his appointment as the ‘best choice by some distance’ to overhaul the national team’s structure. The former AC Milan captain, now tasked with reshaping Italy’s football future, brings decades of elite experience to the role-including a stint as a director at high levels-while former teammate Bergomi has offered his support if needed.

Why did Bergomi call Maldini the ‘best choice by some distance’?

Bergomi’s praise stems from Maldini’s unmatched pedigree. The 55-year-old-though often cited as older-has already held high-level directorial roles and embodies the values Italy needs after three straight World Cup exits. Bergomi, who was reportedly on the shortlist before Maldini accepted, framed the decision as a no-brainer.

What was Maldini’s path to this role?

The FIGC’s newly elected president, Giovanni Malagò, tapped Maldini to lead Italy’s technical team in October 2025. His mandate? Rebuilding the Azzurri after their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal collapse and 2024 Euro Group Stage exit. Maldini’s appointment follows a period where Italy’s youth development and tactical identity were widely criticized.

How does Bergomi’s past connection influence the decision?

Bergomi and Maldini share a deep bond, having played together at AC Milan and for Italy from 1982 to 1998. Bergomi, now a Sky Sports commentator, admitted he’d still assist Maldini if called: “If Paolo called me, I would listen to someone like him.” His four World Cup appearances underscore his commitment to the Italy shirt.

What’s Maldini’s team for this rebuild?

Maldini isn’t working alone. He’s brought in Leonardo, his former Milan teammate and ex-PSG director, as an advisor. Bergomi described their dynamic as “a smart move”-Maldini’s pragmatism paired with Leonardo’s vision. The duo will focus on Italy’s youth sectors, with Bergomi noting promising cohorts born in 2007 and 2010 as key targets.

What’s next for Italy’s technical team?

The challenge is clear: Italy’s last World Cup win came in 2006, and their current generation lacks a defined identity. Maldini’s first test will be aligning Italy’s youth academies under a unified philosophy-something Bergomi compared to Spain’s U11 dominance. “We have talent,” Bergomi said. “Let’s not waste it.”