Italy Confirms Ancelotti Was Approached Before Guardiola in Search for New Coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti was its first choice to become Italy’s next national team coach before officials later held discussions with Pep Guardiola, as the four-time world champions continue their search for a permanent manager following another disappointing World Cup cycle.

The revelation came from newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, who said the federation naturally began its search by sounding out “the best coaches in the world.” Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with Serie A clubs, Maldini acknowledged that Ancelotti was contacted before Guardiola as Italy explored the availability of elite managerial candidates.

“It was the right thing to do to start with the best in the world and check on their general availability,” Maldini said, adding that while there is urgency to appoint a new coach, the federation is prepared to wait for the right candidate rather than rush into a decision.

Italy’s managerial vacancy arose after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; the third consecutive World Cup the nation has missed, marking one of the darkest periods in Italian football history. The unprecedented run of failures has intensified pressure on the federation to rebuild the national team and restore its status among football’s elite.

Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in football history, is currently under contract as Brazil’s head coach. Despite Brazil’s disappointing World Cup campaign, the veteran Italian has shown no indication that he intends to leave the role, effectively ending Italy’s hopes of bringing their former player back to lead the national side.

With Ancelotti unavailable, Italy intensified discussions with Guardiola, who left Manchester City earlier this year after a trophy-laden decade that included multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò previously confirmed that talks had taken place with the Spanish coach, although no agreement has been reached.

Reports in Italy suggest financial considerations may complicate any move for Guardiola. While the federation is reportedly willing to make exceptions to its salary structure, Guardiola is believed to command a significantly higher wage than the FIGC’s usual budget for a national team manager. In addition, the Spaniard has previously indicated that he intended to take a break after leaving Manchester City.

Should negotiations with Guardiola ultimately fail, several other high-profile names are understood to be under consideration, including Antonio Conte, Andrea Pirlo, and former Italy coach Roberto Mancini. However, federation officials have stressed that no final decision has been made and that they remain focused on identifying the candidate best suited to oversee a long-term rebuilding project.

Maldini said the search for a new coach is only one part of a broader strategy to revive Italian football. Working alongside adviser Leonardo, the former AC Milan captain said the federation plans to strengthen youth development, improve talent identification and modernise the national team’s technical structure in an effort to ensure Italy returns to competing regularly on the biggest international stage.