Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he is considering a move into coaching and would like to work with the Italian national team.
The 38-year-old retired from professional football in November last year, having played out the final years of his career with MLS side New York City FC.
Italy, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, are currently on the lookout for a new manager, with former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believed to be the frontrunner for the role.
Pirlo, who won 116 caps for his country, has expressed an interest in being part of the Azzurri setup, describing the nation's famous blue jersey as a "second skin".
"I'll speak with [Italian FA sub-commissioner Alessandro] Costacurta because he's a friend," Pirlo is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying. "I see him often.
"If there's a way to work together then great but we'll decide over time. I'm still young, I have time to think about it.
"It would be nice to work with the national team, the blue shirt has always been a second skin."
Pirlo won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.
Giuseppe Labellarte
