Former Juventus head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly set to be offered the vacant Italy job.
According to Il Tempo, he is the clear first choice of new Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio and an approach is expected to be made in the coming days.
The FIGC wants to make an announcement by mid-August, which means negotiations are likely to begin before the weekend over the salary and length of contract.
Former Japan head coach Alberto Zaccheroni has been identified as the back-up plan, should talks with Conte hit a stumbling block.
Conte, who led the Turin heavyweights to three successive Scudetto titles, resigned just one day after the start of pre-season training.
The 44-year-old is thought to have held crisis talks with the hierarchy just hours before his exit amid concerns that midfield man Arturo Vidal would be sold to Manchester United.
However, he made no reference to a disagreement in his statement to the club’s website, and simply thanked Juve and their fans for the support they provided.
He has since been replaced by ex-AC Milan chief Massimiliano Allegri.
Italy are anxious to move on from the disastrous end to Cesare Prandelli’s tenure following a torrid World Cup campaign which finished at the group stage.