Leonardo Joins Italy’s Technical Staff as Surprise Advisor to Maldini

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | In a surprising turn of events, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Leonardo will serve as a special advisor to newly appointed Italy technical director Paolo Maldini. The announcement, which caught many off guard, marks the Leonardo surprising new Italy advisor for technical director Maldini role that emerged from weeks of negotiations.

Malagò revealed that it was Maldini himself who suggested bringing Leonardo on board. “From the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant, because there is a lot of work to be done, it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Malagò told TG2 Post. “I am pleased too, because I have great respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin.”

This Leonardo surprising new Italy advisor for technical director Maldini appointment comes after months of discussions before Maldini finally accepted the role of technical director, a position created specifically to bring structure and consistency to the Italian national team. The decision to include Leonardo as an advisor was unexpected, yet it highlights the deep bond between the two former AC Milan stars.

Leonardo, who turns 57 in September, has a long and storied history with Italian football. He played for AC Milan from 1997 to 2001, and returned for a brief stint in 2002-03 before retiring. After hanging up his boots, Leonardo transitioned into a front-office role at the Rossoneri, first as a talent scout, then as technical director for the 2008-09 season, and later as head coach in 2009-10. In a dramatic move, he crossed town to Inter Milan in December 2010, where he served as coach until the end of the season.

Leonardo’s career then took him to Antalyaspor in Turkey for a short spell in 2017, and he returned to Milan as technical director for the 2018-19 campaign. During that time, he worked closely with Maldini, who served as Sporting Strategy and Development Director. Leonardo also had two separate periods at Paris Saint-Germain, from 2011 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2022, where he held the position of sporting director.

Now, the Brazilian will bring his wealth of experience to the Italian national team setup. The Leonardo surprising new Italy advisor for technical director Maldini arrangement is seen as a strategic move to bolster the technical staff as Italy aims to rebuild after failing to qualify for consecutive World Cups. Maldini and Leonardo share a mutual respect and a history of collaboration, which Malagò believes will be invaluable.

“They are two sides of the same coin,” Malagò emphasized, underscoring the complementary nature of their partnership. Leonardo’s role will involve advising on player development, scouting, and overall technical strategy. His familiarity with Italian football, combined with his international experience at PSG and Inter, makes him a unique asset.

Italy’s national team has been in a state of flux, and the creation of a technical director position is part of a broader effort to stabilize the program. With Maldini at the helm and Leonardo as his advisor, the FIGC hopes to instill a clear identity and long-term vision. The pair’s history at Milan, where they worked together during a period of transition, could prove crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, the appointment of Leonardo as a special advisor to Paolo Maldini is a bold and unexpected move that underscores the FIGC’s commitment to revitalizing Italian football. With their combined expertise and shared history, Maldini and Leonardo form a formidable duo tasked with bringing the Azzurri back to prominence on the world stage.