Italy tried to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as manager before approaching Pep Guardiola

Italy’s search for a new national team coach began with contact with Carlo Ancelotti before the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turned its attention to former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed the development as the Azzurri continue their hunt for Gennaro Gattuso’s successor.

The four-time world champions have been without a head coach since Gattuso stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup, prompting a major overhaul within the federation.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Serie A clubs on Thursday, Maldini revealed that the FIGC had first sounded out Ancelotti before opening discussions with Guardiola, describing the duo as the best candidates available.

“We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before we spoke to Pep. To be honest, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world to see their general availability,” Maldini said.

Maldini added that while the federation is eager to appoint a new coach soon, it is prepared to wait for its preferred candidate rather than rushing into a decision.

“Honestly, we can’t report what’s going on today. You’ve identified one of our goals. It would be best to announce a new coach this week, but even more so to wait for the person we really want. So the urgency is there, but not so much within us.”

Ancelotti remains committed to Brazil after signing a contract extension until the 2030 World Cup, while Guardiola has been out of work since leaving Manchester City after a trophy-laden 10-year spell.

GUARDIOLA NEXT AFTER ANCELOTTI

With Ancelotti unavailable, Italy have targeted Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of last season after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League during a decade in England. Maldini and special adviser Leonardo reportedly traveled to Barcelona to hold talks with the Spaniard about taking over the national team.

Reports in Italy suggest that Guardiola is demanding an annual salary of around €20m, which is significantly higher than what the FIGC is offering. His desire to spend more time with his family in Barcelona has also been cited as a complicating factor in negotiations, although the federation still hopes to arrange a meeting in the coming days.

ITALY WELCOME OTHER OPTIONS

Italy’s coaching search follows one of the darkest periods in the country’s football history, with the Azzurri missing out on a third straight World Cup after a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The failure led to Gattuso’s resignation and sweeping changes at the federation, including the appointment of Paolo Maldini as technical director under new FIGC president Giovanni Malaga.

Should moves for Ancelotti and Guardiola not materialize, the federation has several experienced alternatives. Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain among the frontrunners, while 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has also been linked with a role as Italy look to rebuild ahead of their next international campaign.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

24 Jul 2026 11:56 IST