The Italian government is leaning toward appointing Lorenzo Mariani as the new CEO of Leonardo, according to four sources, replacing Roberto Cingolani in what would mark a significant leadership shake-up at Italy's leading defense group.

Mariani is a former executive at the aerospace and defense group and currently serves as the Italian managing director of missile manufacturer Mbda, a joint venture owned by Airbus, Bae Systems, and Leonardo.

"Almost," a senior government official told Reuters when asked if Mariani had been selected to succeed Cingolani. Other sources confirmed Mariani as the frontrunner for the role, with an announcement expected as early as today.

(Translated by Enrico Sciacovelli, editing by Antonella Cinelli)