Maldini appointed Italy technical director as federation seeks rebuild

The Italian football federation took another step toward a rebuild of the national team by hiring Paolo Maldini as technical director and former Brazil international and 1994 World Cup winner Leonardo as advisor, according to ESPN. Giovanni Malagò, who led the Milan Cortina Olympics organising committee and is the newly elected president of the crisis-laden federation, announced the appointments on Saturday.

The moves represent a structural shift for Italian football at a moment of transition. Maldini, whose 25-year career at AC Milan made him one of the game's most decorated defenders, brings extensive experience of elite European football and club management. Leonardo, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and later managed Paris Saint-Germain, adds international perspective and championship pedigree to the federation's technical leadership.