Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the Italian Football Association’s new technical director.

The former Italy and AC Milan defender, who also served as the Serie A side’s technical director until 2023, will be advised in his new role by former Milan player, head coach and director Leonardo, the Italian FA (FIGC) said.

Maldini’s most pressing job will be the appointment of a new permanent head coach to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned in April following the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Maldini had committed to a four-year deal, saying in a statement: “Maldini has always been my goal. I thought he could be the right person to oversee the technical sector of the FIGC, which does not only involve the senior national team but the entire pathway of the youth national teams.”

Italy have failed to qualify for the last three World Cups and have not got past the group stage since winning the competition for a fourth time in 2006.

Maldini, 58, who spent his entire playing career at Milan, won 126 caps for Italy during a 14-year international career.