Football
Football
Italy Pursued Ancelotti Before Guardiola for National Team Role
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed it approached Carlo Ancelotti to lead the national team before engaging in discussions with Pep Guardiola. This revelation comes as Italy seeks a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April, a period marked by the Azzurri's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini stated on Thursday that Ancelotti, currently managing Brazil, was the initial target. Maldini, a former teammate of Ancelotti for both Italy and AC Milan, emphasized that the federation aimed to begin its search by contacting those considered “the best in the world.” Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil in 2025 and extended his contract until the 2030 World Cup in May, will remain with the five-time world champions despite a recent World Cup last-16 exit.
Following the discussions with Ancelotti, the FIGC, led by president Giovanni Malagò, held talks with Guardiola, who departed Manchester City this summer after a decade. Reports indicate that “exceptions” could be made regarding Guardiola’s salary, though his decorated career includes major titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Maldini, who earned 126 caps for Italy, indicated that the federation ideally hopes to appoint a new coach by the end of the current week. However, he stressed that securing the right individual for the role remains the paramount priority for the national side.
Sources
