FIGC weighs Ancelotti and Guardiola for Italy coaching role amid World Cup crisis
Technical director Paolo Maldini confirms talks with both managers as federation aims for appointment within the week.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has entered advanced discussions with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola to fill the vacant head coach position for the national team. The search follows Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, a crisis that has triggered significant leadership turnover within the organisation.
Technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that the federation approached Ancelotti first, describing him as the best in the world at the time of initial contact. Maldini stated that while the federation aims to announce an appointment within the week, it prioritises securing the right candidate over speed. He noted that the urgency is felt externally, but the internal process remains deliberate.
Guardiola is available following his departure from Manchester City at the end of the previous season. Maldini and special adviser Leonardo recently spent three days in Barcelona discussing the role with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager. Guardiola has won 35 major titles in his career, establishing himself as one of the most decorated coaches in modern football.
Ancelotti currently holds a contract with Brazil until the 2030 World Cup, despite Brazil’s elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 tournament. The five-time Champions League winner has secured league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany. The FIGC must navigate the contractual implications of his current position with the South American side.
The vacancy arose after Italy lost a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso had succeeded Luciano Spalletti in June of the previous year, but the squad had already struggled, including a defeat to Norway in an opening qualifier. Other candidates reportedly in contention include Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, and Andrea Pirlo.
