Italy legend Roberto Baggio has been backed to take over as the national side’s new head coach.
Il Quotidiano Sportivo claims the former AC Milan and Juventus star could be the man to replace Cesare Prandelli, who has announced that he is to leave his post in the wake of a desperately disappointing World Cup campaign.
Italy failed to make it past the group stage in Brazil after following up their 2-1 victory over England with successive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Costa Rica and Uruguay respectively.
Their exit was overshadowed by Luis Suarez’s infamous bite on defender Giorgio Chiellini but it could not paper over the cracks of a torrid tournament and the man at the helm has no intention of continuing into the qualifiers for the 2016 European Championships in France.
Today’s report reveals Baggio could see off stiff competition from the likes of former Manchester City and Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini and ex-Milan chief Massimiliano Allegri for the role.
If Baggio does get the nod to lead the side, another Italy stalwart – Paolo Maldini – could be installed as president.
At the start of last year Baggio quit as the director of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation, but it is thought that he could be tempted by the top job.