Italy have confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti was their first choice to become the country’s next national team manager before holding talks with Pep Guardiola, as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) continues its search for a new head coach following another disappointing World Cup campaign.The Azzurri have been without a permanent manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, extending one of the most difficult periods in the nation’s modern football history.While Guardiola quickly emerged as one of the leading candidates after leaving Manchester City this summer, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini has now revealed that the federation’s first approach was made to Ancelotti, who is currently under contract as Brazil head coach.Speaking during a press conference, Maldini explained that Italy naturally turned to two of the most accomplished coaches in world football before considering other options.“We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep,” Maldini said.“Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world.”The admission confirms widespread speculation that Italy explored the possibility of bringing Ancelotti back to the national team setup, although the veteran manager remains committed to Brazil.
Ancelotti staying with Brazil despite World Cup disappointment
Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid and signed a contract extension in May that keeps him in charge until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.Although Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with a Round of 16 defeat to Norway, the Brazilian Football Confederation has already confirmed that the 67-year-old will continue as head coach, effectively ruling out any immediate return to his homeland.
Norway’s players celebrate their team’s victory during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The former AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid manager also shares a long-standing relationship with Maldini, having been teammates for both Italy and AC Milan during their playing careers.With Ancelotti unavailable, Italy shifted their attention to Guardiola.
Guardiola talks confirmed
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò revealed that discussions had taken place with Guardiola and suggested the federation was even prepared to make financial “exceptions” in an effort to appoint the Spaniard.However, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Guardiola was seeking an annual salary of €20 million (£17 million), approximately double what the Italian federation was prepared to offer.When asked directly about those reports, Maldini declined to comment on the negotiations.“We honestly cannot provide any updates on what is happening at the moment,” he said.
FILE – Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola lifts the English Premier League trophy after the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton and Manchester City at the AMEX Stadium in Brighton, England, Sunday, May 12, 2019. Manchester City defeated Brighton 4-1 to win the championship. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
The 55-year-old Guardiola became available after ending a remarkable decade at Manchester City, where he transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces.During his ten seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola guided City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the UEFA Champions League, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful managers of the modern era.
Italy aiming to appoint manager soon
Maldini said the federation hopes to have a new manager in place by the end of the week but stressed that appointing the right candidate remains more important than rushing the process.Italy are attempting to rebuild after another painful setback on the international stage, having now missed qualification for three successive World Cups following Gattuso’s resignation in April.Alongside Ancelotti and Guardiola, several other high-profile Italian coaches have also been linked with the vacancy, including former national team managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, as well as former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
