Maldini tells Italy to wait: no rush to name new head coach

Paolo Maldini, Italy's technical director, said the FIGC feels no pressure to fast-track its search for a new head coach. At a Milan press conference on July 23, 2026, Maldini said: "C'è fretta ma dentro di noi nemmeno tanta" — there is urgency, but inside us, not even that much. Carlo Ancelotti remains the leading candidate. Maldini played under him at AC Milan.