The Italian national football team first approached Carlo Ancelotti about becoming their manager before engaging in discussions with Pep Guardiola, according to Paolo Maldini, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) technical director.
Italy has been seeking a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the nation's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Earlier in the week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago indicated that talks had occurred with Guardiola, who departed Manchester City in the summer after a decade with the club, and that exceptions could be made for his salary.
Maldini stated during a news conference on Thursday that Ancelotti, who currently manages Brazil, was the initial candidate considered. "Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world," Maldini said.
Ancelotti, a former teammate of Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, took charge of the Brazilian national team in 2025 and extended his contract in May through to the 2030 World Cup. The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that the 67-year-old will continue in his role, despite Brazil's exit in the World Cup last 16 to Norway.