Paolo Maldini Supports Pirlo as Next Italy Coach

Paolo Maldini has made his choice. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italy technical director has identified Andrea Pirlo as the ideal man to take over the Azzurri, and FIGC president Giovanni Malagò is now preparing to sit down with the former midfield maestro.

Maldini, working closely with his advisor Leonardo, has moved decisively towards Pirlo after months of noise around other high-profile names. The ex-Milan and Italy legend sees his former teammate as the right profile to lead the national team into a new cycle, and Gazzetta reports that Pirlo is now firmly at the top of the list.

The Next Steps

The next step belongs to Malagò. The FIGC president must formally approve any appointment, and the pink paper reports that he is expected to meet Pirlo shortly, potentially as early as today, to hear first-hand about his ideas, tactical vision and plans for the squad.

Pirlo, currently coaching United FC in the UAE Pro League, has quietly moved into pole position over the last week. The 2006 World Cup winner, who has already had spells in charge of Juventus and Sampdoria, has long been viewed as a future Azzurri coach, and that prospect is now edging closer to reality.

The story around the Italy bench has not been short on big names. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini have dominated the speculation for months, and Gazzetta stresses that both remain in contention. Malagò is said to hold Mancini in particular esteem, keeping the former Italy boss firmly in the conversation.

But the technical call lies with Maldini. His backing carries enormous weight inside Coverciano, and Pirlo is his clear preference.

Before any final green light, Malagò wants his own conversation with Pirlo, to test the depth of his project and his readiness to step into one of the most demanding roles in world football.

If that meeting goes as Maldini hopes, Italy could soon be entering the Pirlo era.