Italy appoints Leonardo as Maldini-backed adviser

Leonardo has been added to the Italy national team’s management staff as a special adviser, with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò saying the move came at Paolo Maldini’s request.

Malagò told TG2 Post that Maldini made the suggestion early in talks over his own appointment as technical director. The role was created specifically to give Italy more structure and stability.

Malagò said he was pleased to bring Leonardo in, adding that he holds the Brazilian in high regard and sees the pair as "two sides of the same coin".

Leonardo, who turns 57 in September, has a long connection with Italian football. He played for Milan between 1997 and 2001, then returned for the 2002-03 season before retiring.

After ending his playing career, he worked at Milan as a scout, technical director and head coach. He later took charge of Inter in December 2010, a move that sparked controversy, and has also had spells with Antalyaspor and Paris Saint-Germain in management and executive roles.