The Italian soccer federation (FIGC) has engaged in discussions with prominent coaches Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti regarding the vacant position of national team manager. The federation aims to announce a new coach within the week, as the Italian squad continues to grapple with its failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
Paolo Maldini, the federation’s new technical director, confirmed that Ancelotti was approached before Guardiola. "Honestly, it seemed right to start with the best in the world, to see their general availability," Maldini stated at a news conference after a meeting with Serie A clubs, along with new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special advisor Leonardo.
Maldini and Leonardo recently traveled to Barcelona to speak with Guardiola about the opportunity. Guardiola, who previously coached Manchester City for 10 years, has accumulated 35 major titles throughout his career at clubs including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
While the FIGC faces urgency in filling the coaching role, Maldini indicated that they are prepared to wait for their preferred candidate. "The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want," he said.
Carlo Ancelotti recently extended his contract with the Brazilian national team through the 2030 World Cup. However, Brazil experienced one of its poorest World Cup performances, being eliminated in the round of 16. Ancelotti, a five-time Champions League winner, has also secured league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany.
Italy's absence from the World Cup for a third straight tournament followed a playoff loss in March. This outcome led to the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso had taken over from Luciano Spalletti earlier that year. Other potential candidates for the coaching position include former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, as well as former player Andrea Pirlo.