FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that the Italian Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti about becoming the next national team head coach before opening talks with Pep Guardiola.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Maldini revealed the Azzurri's hierarchy first turned to Ancelotti — a former teammate of Maldini's for both Italy and AC Milan — before making contact with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after a decade at the helm.
"We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep," said Maldini. "Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world."
Italy have been without a permanent head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Azzurri missed the 2018 and 2022 editions and failed again for 2026, plunging Italian football into one of its deepest crises.
Ancelotti, 67, is currently in charge of Brazil, having taken over in 2025. He extended his contract in May through to the 2030 World Cup, and the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed he will remain despite a last-16 exit at the hands of Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò confirmed that talks had been held with Guardiola, stating "exceptions" could be made regarding his salary demands. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola was seeking an annual salary of €20 million (£17m) — double what Italy was offering.
Maldini declined to comment on those figures but said the federation hopes to appoint a coach by the end of the week, with the priority being to find the right candidate rather than rush the process.
"At the moment, we honestly cannot provide any updates on what is happening," he added when asked about the reports.
Guardiola, 55, led Manchester City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League during a trophy-laden decade in England. His availability has made him the most high-profile candidate on the market, but his salary demands may prove prohibitive.
Other names linked with the role include former Italy managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, as well as former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Sources
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c36d0291z6no
