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Andrea Pirlo has reportedly become the leading candidate to take over as Italy’s head coach, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo eager to bring back their former AC Milan teammate.

The Italian national team’s new structure is beginning to take shape following the decision to appoint a technical director — a position that had not previously existed within the Azzurri’s organisation.

Maldini, now overseeing the project alongside his advisor Leonardo, is responsible for selecting the coach who will guide Italy into their UEFA Nations League campaign starting in September.

In recent years, Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini had been seen as the main contenders to return to the role, while there had also been speculation about a bold approach for Pep Guardiola.

However, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Pirlo has emerged as a serious option for the job.

The 47-year-old, a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, is currently managing United FC in Dubai, a club competing in the UAE first division.

Official confirmation earlier stated that Andrea Pirlo had been appointed head coach of United FC, based in Dubai.

Pirlo’s managerial experience includes a season in charge of Juventus during 2020–21, where he secured the Coppa Italia title, a subsequent spell in the Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk, and a short tenure at Sampdoria that concluded in August 2024.

Having played alongside both Maldini and Leonardo during his successful stint at AC Milan between 2001 and 2011, Pirlo shares a strong professional relationship with the two.

Reports also indicate that Maldini had previously considered hiring Pirlo as AC Milan’s coach in 2023.

Unlike other candidates on the shortlist, Pirlo’s salary expectations are said to be much more manageable for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), making him a financially viable choice for the role.