Italy’s search for a new national team coach began with an approach to 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 a successor to Gennaro Gattuso.
The four-time world champions have been without a head coach since Gattuso stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive FIFA 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 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 talking to Pep. Frankly, 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 rush the decision.
“Honestly, today we can’t give news about what’s happening. You’ve identified one of our targets. The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want. So there’s urgency, but not so much inside 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 following a trophy-filled 10-year spell.
GUARDIOLA NEXT AFTER ANCELOTTI
With Ancelotti unavailable, Italy shifted its focus to 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 advisor Leonardo reportedly travelled to Barcelona to hold talks with the Spaniard about taking over the national team.
Reports in Italy have suggested Guardiola is seeking an annual salary of around €20 million, substantially higher than the FIGC’s offer. His desire to spend more time with his family in Barcelona has also been cited as a factor complicating negotiations, although the federation remains hopeful of making an appointment in the coming days.
ITALY WEIGH OTHER OPTIONS
Italy’s coaching search follows one of the darkest periods in the country’s football history, with the Azzurri missing a third consecutive World Cup after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The setback led to Gattuso’s resignation and sweeping changes within the federation, including Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director under new FIGC president Giovanni Malag.
Should moves for Ancelotti and Guardiola fail to materialise, the federation has several experienced alternatives. Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte remain among the leading contenders, while 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has also been linked with the role as Italy looks to rebuild ahead of its next international cycle.
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