Maldini reveals Italy’s coach hunt includes Guardiola and Ancelotti

On Thursday, Paolo Maldini, the newly appointed technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), confirmed that the federation had approached Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti for the Italy national team head‑coach position. He made the statement at a press conference following a meeting with Serie A clubs, and the update was posted today at 17:35.

Maldini told reporters that the federation could share little detail at the moment. He said the intended coach had already been identified and admitted that talks with Carlo Ancelotti preceded those with Pep Guardiola.

The interest in Pep Guardiola is not new for the Italian FA, yet it remains unclear whether the Spanish manager is open to the role.

Carlo Ancelotti’s name entered the search more recently, but his profile fits the federation’s ambitions. The former teammate of Maldini has enjoyed club success across Europe and has lifted the Champions League five times.

"It felt right to start with the world’s best coaches," Maldini said. "Welcoming a new Italy coach this week would be ideal, but waiting for the coach we truly want would be better. There is urgency, but not necessarily on our side."

Whether Ancelotti is interested remains unknown. He is contracted as Brazil’s national team coach until 2030.

Brazil’s coach faces pressure after an early World Cup exit against Norway, yet an immediate departure does not appear imminent.