The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti was its first choice to become Italy’s new national team manager before discussions were held with Pep Guardiola.
Italy have been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malagò revealed that talks had taken place with Guardiola, suggesting the federation was prepared to make financial exceptions to attract the former Manchester City manager.
However, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini has now disclosed that the federation initially approached Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of the Brazil national team.
“We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before speaking to Pep,” Maldini told reporters. “It felt natural to begin with the coaches we consider to be the best in the world.”
Ancelotti, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career alongside Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, took charge of Brazil in 2025 and recently extended his contract until the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite Brazil’s last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that he will remain in charge.
Maldini added that the federation hopes to appoint a new manager soon but stressed that selecting the right candidate remains the priority.
Meanwhile, reports in Italy have claimed Guardiola was seeking an annual salary of around €20 million, roughly double the amount the FIGC was prepared to offer. Maldini declined to comment on the speculation, saying there were no further updates regarding the negotiations.
Guardiola left Manchester City earlier this summer after a highly successful decade in England, during which he won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups and several other major honours.
Other names linked with the Italy job include former national team coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, as well as former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, as the FIGC continues its search for a new leader of the Azzurri.
Pep Guardiola has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become Italy’s next national team coach, bringing an end to speculation linking him with the Azzurri vacancy.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had confirmed that discussions were held with the former Manchester City manager as the search continues for a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure earlier this year.
However, according to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Guardiola has decided against accepting the role, despite being one of the federation’s preferred candidates.
The decision means Italy must continue its search for a new manager, with several other high-profile names, including Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, still linked with the position.
