Massimo Taibi opens up on Paolo Maldini’s Italy appointment and his time at Manchester United
Massimo Taibi backs Paolo Maldini to transform Italy as he reflects on Manchester United and the Azzurri’s future
Italian football has entered a new era.
Following Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, newly elected FIGC president Gianni Malagò has wasted no time implementing sweeping changes designed to restore the Azzurri to the summit of world football.
One of his first major decisions has been the appointment of Paolo Maldini as the Federation’s new Technical Director – a pivotal role that will bridge the gap between the national team, its head coach and the federation’s technical department. Joining him is another iconic figure from Italian football, Leonardo, whose extensive executive experience is expected to play a key role in shaping the national team’s future.
Massimo Taibi knows both men better than most. The former goalkeeper shared a dressing room with Maldini and Leonardo during his time at AC Milan in the 1990s before moving to Manchester United for the 1999/2000 season.
Speaking exclusively to Flashscore, Taibi discusses why Maldini and Leonardo are the right appointments for Italy, the qualities that make them exceptional leaders, the Azzurri’s road back to the top, and his thoughts on Manchester United’s rebuild.
‘The Federation has pulled off a masterstroke’
“I can tell you that by bringing in Maldini, the Federation has pulled off a masterstroke.
“Italian football needed a genuine football man with strong values, and Paolo embodies exactly that. Leonardo is the same – an exceptional person with deep values. It’s no coincidence they’ve remained such close friends over the years.
“I had the privilege of playing alongside both of them at Milan. They’re highly intelligent people who understand international football better than almost anyone.
“For once, professionals have been chosen because of their competence, rather than the usual political connections or familiar faces that have circulated within the Federation for years. Apart from Gigi Buffon’s recent appointment, Paolo’s position feels far more structured.
“President Malagò has made an outstanding decision.”
‘Paolo Maldini was a true leader’
What are your memories of playing alongside Maldini?
“I was fortunate enough to spend two years with Paolo and see him develop from a young player into one of the game’s great leaders.
“He was always the first to arrive at training, the first to step onto the pitch and the first to encourage his teammates. He always had the right advice and knew how to motivate everyone around him.
“He was a leader – not a silent one, because he wasn’t afraid to speak up – but someone who earned respect naturally rather than demanding attention. He was incredibly important inside the dressing room.”
‘Leonardo has an exceptional mind’
“Off the pitch, I actually spent more time with Leonardo than Paolo.
“We lived in the same building in Milan and often travelled together. What amazed me most was how quickly he adapted. He arrived at the end of the transfer window without speaking a word of Italian, but within two months he spoke the language better than I did.
“He’s an incredibly cultured person with an exceptional mind.
“Despite speaking several languages and enjoying an outstanding career, he has always remained humble, approachable and respectful. Those are qualities you often find in true champions.
“Even though we don’t speak much nowadays, I have wonderful memories of both Leonardo and Paolo.”
Choosing Italy’s next manager
Do you expect Maldini and Leonardo to appoint an experienced coach or a younger profile?
“I think they’ll make the decision completely independently.
“They’re highly competent people who aren’t influenced by politics or outside pressure. They’ll simply choose the manager they believe is best suited to lead the national team.
“Whether that’s someone experienced or a younger coach doesn’t really matter. What matters is making the right football decision.”
What Italy must do to recover
What does Italy need to return to the top?
“Everything starts with appointing the right manager because he’s responsible for the call-ups and the overall direction of the team.
“He needs to be brave enough to trust young players, just as Maldini has done throughout his career, and think beyond the next match.
“Italy needs proper long-term planning again. During Marcello Lippi’s era there was a clear project built around identifying and developing young talent.
“Of course, the clubs also have to play their part. If young Italian players aren’t getting opportunities in Serie A, then nothing changes.
“Maldini and Leonardo can help create that vision and inject fresh energy into an environment that has become stagnant.”
Taibi also believes the balance between domestic and foreign players in Serie A must be reconsidered.
“There are too many foreign players. Many are excellent footballers, but we also have to create more opportunities for young Italians.
“Whether that’s through regulations or another solution, something has to change.”
Would Guardiola be the right choice?
What do you think about the possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola?
“For me, Guardiola isn’t really a foreign coach.
“He knows Italian football inside out. He played here, understands our football culture and speaks the language perfectly.
“That makes him completely different from someone arriving without any knowledge of Italy.
“He would bring enormous value because he combines international experience with a deep understanding of Italian football.”
Manchester United’s rebuild
Taibi also reflected on his spell at Manchester United, where he believes rebuilding a club’s identity is every bit as important as rebuilding its squad.
What do you think about United’s decision to trust a club figure like Michael Carrick?
“Carrick earned the job through results. Nobody handed it to him.
“Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be almost impossible because he was a football genius.
“Bringing in someone who understands the club’s culture and values can be the right solution. Sometimes you need someone who truly understands the environment to rebuild that identity.”
‘Football moves in cycles’
What has Manchester United been missing over the last decade?
“Football always moves in cycles.
“One generation dominates, then another takes over while you rebuild.
“Manchester City had their era, Chelsea enjoyed theirs, Arsenal have come back strongly and now Manchester United are beginning to recover as well.
“The same thing happens in Italy. We’ve seen the great eras of Milan, Juventus and Inter.
“Football is a wheel that keeps turning, and I believe Manchester United’s moment will come again.”
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