According to La Repubblica, Paolo Maldini will decide today whether to accept the offer to become Italy’s technical director, but the outlook appears pessimistic so FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has identified three potential alternatives, including Gianfranco Zola.
Former Milan and Italy defender Maldini will sit down with FIGC President Malagò for one final meeting today, according to La Repubblica.
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Maldini and Malagò set for showdown talks today
Maldini has an offer to become Italy’s technical director, and already talked to Malagò several times in recent weeks, including on Thursday.
According to Repubblica, however, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that Maldini will ultimately accept Malagò’s proposal.
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Malagò has already offered Maldini unprecedented power as Italy’s technical director, even allowing him to choose the new head coach.
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According to Repubblica, however, the former defender is unlikely to accept the offer, primarily because of the impact it would have on his private life, as the role would require him to leave Milan and spend significant time working in Rome or at Italy’s training centre in Coverciano, Florence.
Maldini will inform Malagò about his final decision today, but it’s far from guaranteed that he will provide a positive answer.
According to Repubblica, another ex-Milan star, Demetrio Albertini, would jump to the top of Malagò’s list if Maldini rejects the offer, but Chelsea and Cagliari legend Gianfranco Zola and Inter and Italy legend Beppe Bergomi are also among the names being considered by the FIGC chief.
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