AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is being lined up for a return to football with the Italy national setup.

Corriere della Sera says Maldini could join incoming Italy coach Cesare Prandelli's backroom team after the World Cup.

Maldini has been mentioned as new Azzurri team manager, in the place of Gigi Riva, and is also under consideration by FIGC as the country's technical director.

The former AC Milan captain has been out of football for the past year, but talk of a return to the club has so far failed to develop into anything concrete.