Italy sought Ancelotti before Guardiola for national team role
The Italian Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti first, but the Brazilian national team manager remains under contract until 2030, leaving Pep Guardiola as the primary candidate despite reported salary disputes.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that it initiated discussions with Carlo Ancelotti for the national team head coach position before opening talks with Pep Guardiola. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini acknowledged the sequence of approaches during a news conference, stating that the federation prioritised candidates they considered the best in the world.
Italy has been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, following the country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third successive time. Maldini, a former defender who earned 126 caps for the national side, explained that Ancelotti was the initial target due to his stature in the game.
"We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep," Maldini said. "Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world." Ancelotti, a former teammate of Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, is currently in charge of Brazil.
Ancelotti took charge of the Brazilian national team in 2025 and extended his contract in May until the 2030 World Cup. Despite a last-16 exit at the hands of Norway, the Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed the 67-year-old will remain in his role, effectively ruling out his availability for the Italian vacancy.
Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after a decade-long tenure that included six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, has been in discussions with the FIGC. Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Guardiola sought an annual salary of 20 million euros, which is double the initial offer from Italy.
FIGC president Giovanni Malago previously indicated that "exceptions" could be made regarding the salary demands. However, when asked about the specific reports regarding Guardiola’s wage expectations, Maldini declined to provide further updates on the status of the negotiations.
Maldini stated that the FIGC aims to appoint a new coach by the end of the week, emphasising that the priority is securing the right individual rather than rushing the process. Other figures linked with the role include former managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, as well as former midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
