Paolo Maldini has been named as expected as Italy’s men’s national team head coach position.

Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini were also briefly considered for the vacancy.

Maldini’s brief stint in 2023 as Manchester United interim manager short‑term job was mentioned by Massimo Taibi in an interview on Flashscore.com, where it was referenced last year.

Leonardo has assumed technical director and advisor roles within the Italian setup under the new leadership, the latter described as strategic.

Earlier this week, Argentina wore accurate replicas of their 1986 World Cup shirt vintage during a Nations Championship match tight against England.

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will present winning‑team rings special and a surprising appearance by Donald Trump, the former US president.