Italian football is undergoing epochal changes. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially announced a major reform of the management of national teams, a key element of which is the return of a legendary duo. Leonardo, the former sporting director of AC Milan and PSG, has been officially appointed as the chief advisor of the "Club Italia" structure, which unites all national teams of the country.
The Return of the Legendary Duo
The most unexpected and significant step in the new strategy was the recruitment of the Brazilian top executive. Leonardo will work in close contact with his long-time partner Paolo Maldini, who has taken the post of Technical Director of the FIGC and President of "Club Italia". This appointment is a kind of reunion: the two specialists already successfully managed AC Milan between 2018 and 2019, and the federation decided to reproduce this effective management experience at the state level.
The legendary defender has received almost absolute power over the vertical of national teams. For his part, Leonardo, known for his successful work in Paris and Milan, will focus on strategic development, international relations, and the integration of modern football trends. His main task is to strengthen the position of Italian football on the world stage and optimize the work of scouting services.
Modernization Strategy and Global Connections
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò emphasized that Leonardo's international experience, combined with his deep knowledge of the Italian mentality, is the ideal tool for implementing the new sports strategy. The Brazilian will advise Maldini on issues of the transfer market, working with youth academies, and reorganizing technical staffs.
The decision to invite Leonardo is part of a global modernization plan, as Italian football has been in crisis for a long time. The federation leadership aims to create a unified model for player training — from youth teams to the main national team. Leonardo's contribution as an external advisor is intended to provide a fresh perspective from "outside," relying on his connections around the world.
Urgency of Reforms Amidst Crisis
The new leadership will begin performing their duties immediately to form a new roadmap for the "Azzurri". The need for radical changes is dictated by the current situation: the Italian national team has missed the World Cup for the third time in a row, losing in the playoffs to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, at the Euro U21 2026, the Italians lost first place in the group, letting the Ukraine national team pass them. It is under these conditions that the FIGC is betting on the experience of Leonardo and Maldini to return the country to the top of world football.
