He waited, convinced him, and in extra time, pulled a surprise out of his hat. Giovanni Malagò's revolution begins with a pair of champions: Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are the first two major signings of the new FIGC president. The former, long courted, joins the team as the federation's technical director and also takes charge of Club Italia; the other will be an advisor. And while it was known that Maldini was the first choice for the technical director role, the appointment of the Brazilian former footballer-coach-manager is the real news .
Malagò announced "with satisfaction that Maldini has accepted the position of Technical Director of the Federation," a task that the former AC Milan player will carry out "together with Leonardo in the capacity of Advisor."
They were intense days of negotiations to finalize a four-year contract. They had started off at a staggering distance, including financially, but by the end of the week—just as Malagò himself had said—the green light had arrived. Maldini, who had also been half-committed to returning to AC Milan in light of potential new buyers for the club, has embraced the Azzurri challenge. The novelty, compared to the rumors surrounding Malagò's initial choices as Italy's No. 1, is the Brazilian, who, like Maldini, undoubtedly represents the history of international football: both share a glorious past at AC Milan, which even saw them on the pitch together.
Leonardo, born in 1969, played for AC Milan before moving on to coach them (2009-2010). His career was also enhanced by his managerial role at Paris Saint-Germain. Maldini, 58, was a legend for AC Milan, both on the pitch and as a manager, and a key figure in the national team, making 126 appearances, 74 of which as captain. With the first (double) deal now complete, the next step—as per Malagò's timetable—will be to choose the national team's head coach. The two former champions, with whom the FIGC's No. 1 will be selecting the next Azzurri manager, do not consider Antonio Conte their first choice: so Roberto Mancini remains the likely name, but a third name on the bench is also not ruled out.
The suggestion still leads to Pep Guardiola – a name many like for his CV, charisma, and even his connection to Italy –: the Catalan coach is reportedly taking a half-year sabbatical after leaving Manchester City and would be ready in January.
First, the national team has its Nations League commitments (starting in September, on the 25th in Rome against Belgium): matches that could be entrusted to a ferryman. Meanwhile, the first pieces are in place, and Malagò is relaunching the Azzurri with an exceptional duo.
(Unioneonline)