AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is emerging as a candidate for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidency.
After a third consecutive World Cup qualifying failure, FIGC announced the pending resignation of president Gabriele Gravina last week.
A new president will be elected on June 22. It could be a Milan icon who gets the job.
La Stampa says Maldini is the leading candidate to become FIGC president.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi is pushing for Maldini to be given the position.
It remains to be seen whether Maldini can be convinced to enter the running. All candidates for the vote are announced 40 days before the presidential election.