Italian football's technical director, Paolo Maldini, has confirmed that the national federation initially approached Carlo Ancelotti and subsequently Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant Italy manager position. The revelation comes as the four-time world champions continue their search for a new coach following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April, after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Maldini, a legendary figure in Italian football tasked with rebuilding the national team's technical structure by new FIGC President Giovanni Malago, stated on Thursday, "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." However, Ancelotti, a former teammate of Maldini at AC Milan, will remain in charge of the Brazilian national team despite their recent Round of 16 exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Norway.
Discussions with Pep Guardiola, who departed Manchester City in May after a highly successful decade that included six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, appear to be more complex. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Guardiola is seeking a salary of up to £20 million per year, double what the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is reportedly offering. Furthermore, a desire from Guardiola to spend more time with his family in Barcelona is cited as another factor complicating negotiations. Maldini, speaking after a meeting with Serie A executives, indicated that while the federation ideally aims to appoint a coach by the end of the week, their primary focus remains on securing the right individual for the role.
Leonardo, former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director and an advisor to Maldini, emphasised that Italy's next coach must be committed to a comprehensive, long-term technical project. This initiative aims to overhaul training methods and player development across both the senior national team and the youth setup. This strategic vision underscores the federation's determination to address the underlying issues contributing to the Azzurri's recent struggles on the international stage.
Beyond Ancelotti and Guardiola, other prominent names have been linked with the prestigious role. Antonio Conte, who previously managed Italy between 2014 and 2016 and most recently coached Napoli, is considered a strong candidate. Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is also seen as a potential option, while a return for Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory at the European Championship in 2021, has also been mooted as an alternative.