Italy considers Ranieri or Buffon for technical director

Italy is contemplating appointing Claudio Ranieri or Gianluigi Buffon as the new technical director if Paolo Maldini declines the role. Recent reports suggest that Maldini is likely to reject the opportunity to serve as technical director for the Italian national team. Giovanni Malagò, the newly elected president of the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), had outlined his intention to revitalize the Azzurri by bringing in a technical director who could help select the next head coach.

Currently, the Italy squad does not have a technical director, but the plan is for this person to be appointed first, allowing them to then choose a new coach. This approach aims to ensure that both roles align with a unified vision for the future of Italian football. Initially, Maldini was seen as the top choice for the position; however, after reports from Sport Mediaset indicated that he was leaning towards a refusal, Sky Sport Italia confirmed that he appears hesitant to take on the role.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has highlighted other potential candidates, prominently featuring former Roma coach and director Claudio Ranieri. Another option being considered is Gigi Buffon, although his candidacy could be complicated. Buffon recently resigned from his position as team manager after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs, meaning his previous role had focused more on team morale than on decision-making.

Should Buffon return, he would be stepping into a significantly different role, with responsibilities that include selecting the new head coach for the national team. The situation remains fluid as negotiations and discussions unfold regarding the future leadership of the Italian national team.