Paolo Maldini Interested in Coaching Italy

[The Palace Fan]

Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has declared an interest in coaching Italy.

Maldini, who won 126 caps for Italy, retired from international duty in 2002 before the Azzuri's World Cup triumph in 2006. He played for AC Milan throughout his career and retired in May 2009 aged 40.

Italy's new national coach will be named on May 20, according to Italian football federation vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta.

Costacurta has been given the job of finding a replacement for Gian Piero Ventura, who was sacked after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in November.

[Dickie]

Might as well take this time to test the water and see how he is. The infrastructure of Italy was bound to collapse eventually.

[SirBalon]

If there's one past Italian legend that looks to evolution it's Maldini!  He's one of the only past players that hasn't used the rhetoric of returning to past ideals and I think his appointment would be more than just interesting. I can actually see it being successful due to the amount of respect he would get from the players.

Also, a trivia question for all... If this were to come to pass, has there ever been a father and then subsequently a son that have coached the same national side?

[Cicero]

Would be very romantic but doubt he'd ever be a great manager. 

[ScoRoss]

With so many good Italian managers and coaches, it would be ridiculous to bring in someone who has done nothing in football for about a decade. Leave him in Miami playing tennis, and don't tarnish his legacy.