Italy first contacted Carlo Ancelotti during their search for a new national team manager before opening discussions with Pep Guardiola, the Italian Football Federation has confirmed. The Azzurri have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the country’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago revealed that talks had taken place with Guardiola following his departure from Manchester City this summer. He also said exceptions could be made regarding the coach’s salary as Italy continued the recruitment process.
Carlo Ancelotti was Italy’s first choice
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed during a press conference that Ancelotti was approached before Guardiola. He explained that the federation believed it was appropriate to begin discussions with the managers they considered the best in the world.
Ancelotti, who previously played alongside Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, became Brazil’s head coach in 2025 and signed a contract extension in May that runs until the 2030 World Cup.
Although Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the World Cup last 16, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that the 67-year-old will remain in charge of the national team.
Pep Guardiola remains part of Italy manager talks
Maldini said the federation hoped to appoint a new coach by the end of the week but stressed that selecting the right candidate remained the main objective.
Responding to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claiming Guardiola wanted an annual salary of 20 million euros, twice the amount Italy were prepared to offer, Maldini declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations and said there were no updates to provide.
Guardiola ended a 10-year spell at Manchester City this summer after leading the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.
Italy national team shortlist continues to grow
Alongside Ancelotti and Guardiola, several other coaches have also been linked with the vacant Italy position. Former national team managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are among the names connected with the role.
Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has also been mentioned as a possible candidate as the federation continues its search for a new head coach.
