Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti before Pep Guardiola for national team job

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed it approached Carlo Ancelotti to become the national team manager before initiating talks with Pep Guardiola. The revelation comes as the federation seeks to fill a vacancy left by Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation in April.

Italy has been without a head coach since failing to qualify for a third successive World Cup. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini stated that the federation naturally looked to top-tier candidates first.

"We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep," Maldini said during a news conference. "Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world."

Ancelotti, a former teammate of Maldini at both AC Milan and for the national side, is currently under contract with Brazil. He took charge of the South American nation in 2025 and extended his deal in May through the 2030 World Cup.

Despite Brazil suffering a last-16 World Cup exit to Norway, the Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed the 67-year-old will remain in his position. This development effectively removes him from contention for the Italian role.

Attention has now shifted to the financial realities of hiring a manager of Guardiola’s stature. The 55-year-old recently left Manchester City after a decade in which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League, and is reportedly seeking an annual salary of 20m euros (£17m).

This figure is reportedly double the amount the Italian federation is currently prepared to offer. While FIGC president Giovanni Malago recently suggested that "exceptions" could be made for the right candidate, the gap highlights the economic constraints facing national teams competing with elite club budgets.

When pressed on the reported salary demands, Maldini remained cautious. "We honestly cannot provide any updates on what is happening at the moment," he noted.

Maldini, who earned 126 caps for Italy, expressed a desire to appoint a new coach by the end of the week. However, he emphasized that securing the correct long-term appointment takes precedence over speed.

Should the pursuit of Guardiola falter over financial terms, the federation has other domestic options. Former Italy managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, alongside ex-midfielder Andrea Pirlo, have also been linked with the position.