​La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Paolo Maldini has identified Andrea Pirlo as the ideal candidate to be the next Italy coach, so FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is expected to meet the former midfielder soon.Italy’s technical director Maldini and his advisor Leonardo have picked ex-Milan star Pirlo as the ideal candidate for the Azzurri coaching job, Gazzetta confirms.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe pink paper highlights that the appointment must be approved by Malagò, who is expected to meet Pirlo shortly.It is reported that the pair could sit down to discuss Pirlo’s ideas and vision even today.FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Andrea Pirlo during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)A former Juventus and Sampdoria coach, Pirlo emerged as the favourite candidate for the job last week, after months of speculation over Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Gazzetta, the pair is still in contention for the job, with Mancini particularly appreciated by Malagò, yet the technical decision on the new coach rests with Maldini.Before giving his approval to Maldini’s preferred candidate, however, Malagò is expected to speak with Pirlo, who is currently in charge of United FC in the UAE Pro League.