Paolo Maldini, the legendary Italian footballer, has been appointed as the technical director of the Italian national football federation (FIGC).This role involves overseeing the entire youth national team setup and rebuilding the senior team after Italy's failure to qualify for the last three World Cups.

Maldini, 58, will work alongside Leonardo, former PSG and AC Milan sporting director, and also take charge of Club Italia, which manages all national teams.His mission is to revitalize the Azzurri, who have slipped from global elite status after missing the World Cup.The appointment comes after Gennaro Gattuso resigned as coach following a loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina.Conte is a potential successor.Maldini's career at AC Milan included seven league titles and five Champions League wins.He played 126 caps for Italy, reaching World Cup finals in 1994 and Euro 2000.His new role marks an unprecedented dual position in FIGC, giving him authority over all sporting decisions.