Malagò had promised official confirmation of both the technical director and head coach appointments this week, but the Milan legend's response has yet to arrive.
AC Milan legend Maldini remains the federation's preferred candidate to spearhead a rebuild of the Azzurri after Italy failed to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive time, a role that would hand him sweeping authority over the youth ranks and junior national teams.
Speaking on Rai Radio 1, Malagò made clear his faith in Maldini remains unshaken.
"Maldini has a résumé and expertise that comes not just from his playing career but also his time as an executive, which makes him the ideal profile," he said.
"But you also need a plan B, maybe even a plan C. I'm very, very calm — by this week at the latest I'll have everything clear, including on the coaching front."
Malagò suggested the delay reflects competing commitments rather than reluctance.
"Maybe there are other engagements or prior offers on the table," he said, adding that it should be read as a sign of seriousness rather than a bad omen. Maldini was reportedly also in talks over an advisory role at Fenerbahçe before stepping back from that possibility. He served as a Milan director between 2018 and 2023 following his lengthy playing career.
On the coaching front, Malagò insisted no contact has been made with any candidate.
"I haven't spoken to any coach — that would go completely against what I set out to do, which is assess who should sit alongside the technical director," he said, before confirming Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain the frontrunners, though "it's not ruled out that it isn't just these two."
Mancini, who left the Italy job for Saudi Arabia in August 2023, is said to be eager for a return, while Conte is available after his early termination at Napoli. Malagò stressed that support from Serie A clubs would be crucial in landing whoever is chosen, framing the rebuild as a project stretching towards Euro 2032.