The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti was the first person contacted during their hunt for a new national team manager, before any discussions with Pep Guardiola took place. Italy has been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the team’s failure to qualify for a third straight World Cup.
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago revealed that talks had occurred with Guardiola after he left Manchester City this summer. He also suggested that salary exceptions could be made as Italy continued their search for a new leader.
Ancelotti was Italy’s top target
During a press conference, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that Ancelotti was approached before Guardiola. He stated that the federation felt it was right to start conversations with the managers they regarded as 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 keeps him in charge until the 2030 World Cup.
Despite Brazil being eliminated by Norway in the World Cup round of 16, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that the 67-year-old will remain with the national team.
Guardiola still in the running for Italy job
Maldini said the federation hoped to appoint a new coach by the end of the week but stressed that finding the right candidate was the priority.
When asked about reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claiming Guardiola wanted an annual salary of 20 million euros – twice what Italy was prepared to offer – Maldini declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations and said there were no updates.
Guardiola ended a 10-year stint at Manchester City this summer after guiding the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.
Italy’s shortlist of candidates keeps expanding
In addition to Ancelotti and Guardiola, several other coaches have been linked with the vacant Italy position. Former national team managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are among those mentioned.
Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has also been named as a possible candidate as the federation continues its search for a new head coach.