Paolo Maldini, right, was there when Alessandro Nesta, left, joined Italy in 1996, and now they are together in Miami. Ap Photo/Fumagalli/Pegaso

Former AC Milan star Alessandro Nesta cannot wait to get to work at the North American Soccer League's Miami FC, saying it is an ideal opportunity to see if he can cut it as a coach.

The 39-year-old has been given his first coaching opportunity by the new Florida club and he told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the United States is the best place to start.

"Miami is a big chance for me to see if I am capable of doing this job," said the former Italy defender. "I like the organisation they have [in the U.S.]. In Italian football, all you see are the usual defects: clubs making losses, players not getting paid, rules that don't exist or get twisted. Here, there is a respect for the rules."

Nesta will have his former Milan teammate Paolo Maldini alongside him, although he admits it may not be long before the club's co-owner returns to the Rossoneri in some capacity -- possibly as their next manager.

"I hope Paolo gets back into the club soon, but it's still a bit soon for me," he said. "I've still got a really long way to go -- there's a long line for the Milan job and I want to have a relaxed time for a while.