Silvio Baldini has been touted as the ideal candidate for the Italy job by former World Cup winner Marco Tardelli, after Pep Guardiola reportedly turned down the job. 

After the Azzurri's latest failure to qualify for the World Cup, which made them the first former champions to miss three straight editions of the tournament, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) are undertaking a root-and-branch reform.

Legendary former defender Paolo Maldini has been appointed as Italy's new technical director, with ex-Brazil international Leonardo serving as his advisor.

Several high-profile candidates have been linked with the head coach opening following the dismissal of Gennaro Gattuso, with Guardiola emerging as Italy's top target.

On Thursday, Maldini confirmed talks had been held with both Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, with Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte also linked with the role. 

But widespread reports on Friday indicated that Guardiola had turned down the position and intends to take an extended break following 10 years in charge of Manchester City.

Maldini had said the FIGC was willing to wait for their preferred candidate, but with Guardiola out of the running and Ancelotti contracted to Brazil for another four years, Pirlo now seems to be the favourite.

Tardelli, though, feels under-21 boss Baldini is perfectly suited to the role, highlighting the example of Spain promoting Luis de la Fuente through the youth system before he led their first team to glory at Euro 2024 and this year's World Cup.

In an interview with Il Giornale, Tardelli – who scored the winning goal in the 1982 World Cup final against West Germany – said: "Andrea is a world champion, he is recognised abroad, he has experience, he knows our football very well. 

"But my name is another – Silvio Baldini. He is part of the federation. 

"The Spanish example of Luis de la Fuente should serve as a lesson – he led all the youth teams before arriving at the first team.

"Italian football does not only need names, even illustrious ones, it needs to change its structure, to recover young people, children who, in turn, must play with the pleasure of the ball, the fun of scoring goals."

Baldini led a young Italy squad on an interim basis in June, overseeing 1-0 friendly victories over Luxembourg and Greece.

With an average age of 21 years and 354 days, the lineup selected by Baldini for his first game in charge, versus Luxembourg, was Italy's youngest since December 1912.

He handed 15 players their debuts in that match but now looks set to return to his role with Italy's under-21s, who are second in their qualification group for the 2027 European Championship, three points behind Poland with two games to play. 

Whoever Italy name as their next coach, their first game at the helm will be against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25, with Turkiye and France also in their group.