Vincenzo Montella has emerged as the favourite to succeed Antonio Conte as Italy coach, with president Carlo Tavecchio keen to name a successor.
The Azzurri are set to say goodbye to Conte after Euro 2016, with the 46-year-old moving to Chelsea on a three-year deal.
Montella, currently with Sampdoria, has endured a difficult season. His side currently in 15th place is Serie A and he could be tempted to leave to pursue a new challenge.
The 41-year-old has previously admitted he would be open to replacing Conte, saying: "The national team is the highest possible achievement for a coach and I've already said that if I got an offer I would consider it."
Tavecchio is not concerned that Montella does not possess the best relationships with some Serie A clubs, including Fiorentina, but is attracted by his youth and his attacking style of football.
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Sampdoria are unlikely to stand in Montella's way, despite him having a contract until 2018, as Tavecchio boasts an excellent relationship with owner Massimo Ferrero.
Tavecchio is keen to develop the profile of the national side and as well as appointing Montella would consider Marcello Lippi for the role of technical director of the FIGC.
The World-Cup winning coach has been out of work since leaving Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande in November 2014.
Should Montella take over from Conte, it is likely that Sampdoria will turn to Marco Giampaolo, who has enjoyed an impressive season with Empoli.
- Goal