Pirlo emerges as Maldini’s choice for Italy coach

Andrea Pirlo has stepped to the front of the queue for the Italy bench, with Paolo Maldini pushing hard for his former Milan teammate to become the next Azzurri coach.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy’s technical director Maldini, together with his advisor Leonardo, has identified Pirlo as the ideal figure to lead the national team into a new cycle. The choice now moves from the technical desk to the political one.

Maldini’s call, Malagò’s green light

The “pink paper” reports that the appointment still needs the approval of FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, who is expected to meet Pirlo shortly. That meeting could even take place today, underlining the urgency and seriousness of Maldini’s push.

On the table will be Pirlo’s vision for the Azzurri: his ideas on style of play, squad renewal, and how to restore Italy’s competitive edge after months of uncertainty over the direction of the national team.

Pirlo, currently in charge of United FC in the UAE Pro League, has already experienced the pressure of a top job on the bench with Juventus and Sampdoria. Now, he finds himself on the verge of the most prestigious role in Italian football.

Conte and Mancini still in the frame

The path is not completely clear. Gazzetta stresses that Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain in contention. Malagò is said to hold Mancini in particularly high regard, a factor that keeps the former Italy coach firmly in the conversation.

Yet the decisive weight lies with Maldini’s technical judgement. The former Milan and Azzurri captain has nailed his colours to Pirlo, seeing in him the profile to guide a new chapter for the national side.

Before any official announcement, Malagò wants to look Pirlo in the eye, hear his plan, and test his convictions. If that conversation matches Maldini’s faith, Italy could soon be back in the hands—and mind—of the playmaker who once dictated their rhythm on the pitch.