According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy’s newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project and wants to offer the former goalkeeper a key role within the Azzurri setup.
Buffon set for a new Italy role?
The report claims that Buffon could be offered an important position within Club Italia, the organisation responsible for overseeing all Italian national teams, from youth levels to the senior squad.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Maldini will soon contact Buffon to discuss the new role.
Buffon previously worked as Italy’s Head of Delegation under managers Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the role being proposed by the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) would be a different position, with a new set of responsibilities.
Buffon’s resignation from the Azzurri
Buffon stepped down from his role following Italy’s defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final last March. At the same time, Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also left their positions.
Pirlo remains Maldini’s favourite for Italy job
Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo remains Maldini’s preferred candidate to become the new Italy national team head coach.
Pirlo and Buffon were teammates in the Italy squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and they could now reunite as part of Maldini’s new vision for the Azzurri.
FIGC confirms Maldini appointment
The FIGC officially confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday.
Maldini will be joined by his former AC Milan teammate Leonardo, who has been appointed as an advisor as part of the new national team structure.