Italy manager’s job: Azzurri approached Carlo Ancelotti before Pep Guardiola, says Paolo Maldini

Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti to become their national team manager before holding talks with Pep Guardiola.

The Azzurri have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country’s failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup.

Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and “exceptions” could be made for his salary.

But on Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.

“We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep,” said Maldini during a news conference.

“Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world.”

Ancelotti, a former team-mate of Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, took charge of Brazil in 2025 and extended his contract in May until the 2030 World Cup.

And despite a World Cup last-16 exit at the hands of Norway, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the 67-year-old will remain in charge of the five-time world champions.