Maldini Supports Pirlo for Italy Coach Role

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 charge of 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 placed Pirlo at the top of the shortlist after months of noise around Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini. The ex-Milan and Italy defender sees his former teammate as the right profile to lead the national team into a new cycle: modern ideas, international stature, and a deep understanding of the Azzurri environment.

The choice, though, is not his alone to rubber-stamp.

Malagò’s approval the final hurdle

The “pink paper” stresses that Malagò must sign off on any appointment. The FIGC president is expected to meet Pirlo shortly, with reports suggesting the summit could even take place today. It will not be a mere courtesy call. Malagò wants to hear Pirlo’s vision directly: how he plans to shape the squad, what football he wants Italy to play, how he sees the transition from the recent turbulent years.

Pirlo, currently in charge of United FC in the UAE Pro League, arrives at this crossroads with a mixed but intriguing coaching résumé. He has already sat on two demanding benches in Italy with Juventus and Sampdoria, experiences that hardened him in the spotlight long before this potential leap to the national team.

Conte and Mancini still in the frame

This is not yet a one-horse race. Gazzetta reports that both Conte and Mancini remain in contention. Malagò, in particular, is said to hold Mancini in high regard after his previous spell in charge of the Azzurri. His track record, his familiarity with the FIGC structure and his past success still carry considerable weight in the corridors of power.

Even so, the technical call belongs to Maldini. His role is to set the sporting direction, and he has nailed his colours firmly to Pirlo. Before Malagò gives his final blessing, he wants to be sure that Maldini’s preferred candidate can translate that trust into a coherent project.

The next conversation between Malagò and Pirlo will not just shape a bench. It could define the next chapter of Italy’s football identity.