Capello Hails Maldini Appointment: ‘A Lot to Do’ to Revive Italian Football

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | Fabio Capello has voiced his strong approval of Paolo Maldini‘s appointment as technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), stating that Capello really happy with Maldini getting the Italy job as there is a lot to do. The legendary former manager believes Maldini is the ideal figure to spearhead the revival of Italian football after years of decline on the international stage.

Maldini, a Milan icon and one of the greatest defenders in football history, was officially named technical director on Thursday. The move brings the 55-year-old back into football administration three years after leaving his role at AC Milan. Capello, who coached Maldini during his time at Milan and later managed the Italian national team, expressed his delight in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Absolutely, and I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on the list and he’s finally here. He’s definitely the right person,” Capello said. “I’m happy for the national team and for him. He’s serious, capable, and attentive. He doesn’t just talk, he works, he has ideas, and he will have a well-defined project in his head.”

Capello’s endorsement underscores the widespread optimism surrounding Maldini’s return to the sport. The former defender will be tasked with overhauling Italy’s youth development system and restoring the national team’s competitiveness after its failure to qualify for the last two World Cups. The sentiment that Capello really happy with Maldini getting the Italy job as there is a lot to do was echoed by many in Italian football circles, who see Maldini as a symbol of excellence and professionalism.

Capello also praised Maldini’s potential partnership with Leonardo, another former Milan executive who is expected to join the FIGC setup. “He’s another one who knows a lot about football. If Maldini wanted him by his side, reuniting a partnership that had also formed at AC Milan, it’s because there’s a lot to do,” Capello noted. “We need to catch up on many fronts, starting obviously with young talent. It’s a huge commitment they have chosen to take on because they are convinced. And then, I repeat, even if it may seem obvious, they are both capable and, even more importantly, they understand football.”

The scale of the challenge facing Maldini is immense. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup three times in a row, an unacceptable record for a nation that has won the tournament four times. Italian clubs have also struggled in European competitions, highlighting a systemic problem in developing top-tier talent. The FIGC hopes that Maldini’s expertise and vision will help reverse this trend.

Capello’s comments align with the general mood in the country. Many believe that Maldini, who spent his entire playing career at AC Milan and later served as the club’s technical director, possesses the knowledge and authority to drive change. The phrase ‘Capello really happy with Maldini getting the Italy job as there is a lot to do’ captures the urgency of the situation. Maldini’s appointment is seen as a long-overdue step toward rebuilding Italian football from the grassroots up.

In his new role, Maldini will oversee the national team’s technical strategy, including scouting, coaching education, and the development of young players. He will work closely with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and national team coach Luciano Spalletti. The immediate priority is to ensure Italy qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, but the long-term goal is to establish a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Capello, who himself managed Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, is confident that Maldini is up to the task. “He doesn’t just talk, he works,” Capello reiterated. “He has ideas, and he will have a well-defined project in his head. That’s what we need.”

The reaction from fans and pundits has been overwhelmingly positive. Maldini’s return to football has generated excitement, with many hoping that his leadership will usher in a new era for the Azzurri. However, Capello warns that expectations must be tempered: “There is a lot to do. We cannot expect miracles overnight, but with Paolo and Leonardo, we have the right people to start the process.”

In conclusion, Capello’s endorsement of Maldini as technical director reflects a broader belief that Italian football needs strong, knowledgeable leadership to recover from its current slump. As Capello put it, Capello really happy with Maldini getting the Italy job as there is a lot to do. The journey ahead is long, but with Maldini at the helm, there is renewed hope that Italy can once again become a dominant force in world football.