ITALY — The Italian Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti to become the national team manager before holding talks with Pep Guardiola. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed that talks have been held with him.

Carlo Ancelotti has formally turned down the offer to become Italy’s national team manager. The 67-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the Brazil national team and confirmed he will honor his contract through 2030. Ancelotti took charge of the Brazil national team in 2025 and extended his contract in May until the 2030 World Cup.

He is currently the manager of the Brazil national team, which was eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Norway. Ancelotti is the only coach to have won the Champions League five times and has won league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany.

FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo traveled to Barcelona and held talks with him over the weekend. The pair spent three days in Barcelona speaking with the former Manchester City manager about the Italy job. Malago stated that financial exceptions could be made for his salary.

"Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said. He added that it is not certain that this thing will go through, but stated, "However, I still believe it was the right thing to do. It was important to open a dialogue and keep it alive." Malago also stated that Roberto Mancini, Andrea Pirlo, and he are not the only candidates under consideration, saying, "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category." Reports indicate he requested an annual salary of €20m, while the Italian Football Federation can afford to offer approximately €10m annually. Maldini denied reports that he requested a €20m salary, stating, "The economic aspect is in no way relevant for Pep."

Maldini stated, We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to him. He explained, "Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world." Maldini stated the FIGC would ideally appoint a coach by the end of the week, noting, "The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want." He added, "So there’s urgency, but not so much inside us." Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, and Andrea Pirlo have been linked with the Italy national team coaching job. Mancini guided Italy to the European Championship title in 2021, and Pirlo helped Italy reach the World Cup final in 2006 as a player. Pirlo currently manages Dubai United.

Italy has won four World Cups. Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy head coach in April. Italy lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in the European play-off, resulting in failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This marked the third successive World Cup that Italy failed to qualify for. Silvio Baldini has served as caretaker manager for Italy. Luciano Spalletti was fired as Italy coach in June of the previous year. Italy lost to Norway in its opening World Cup qualifier. Former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned in March. Malago was elected FIGC president on June 22. Paolo Maldini earned 126 caps for Italy. Leonardo serves as a special advisor to the FIGC. Italy faces Belgium on September 25 in the Nations League. Argentina's Helenio Herrera was joint manager of the Italy national team with Italian Ferruccio Valcareggi in the 1960s.

He stated his conversation with the Italian Football Federation lasted barely one minute. The 55-year-old former Manchester City manager stated he intends to take at least one year away from management before considering a return. "From a mental standpoint, I don't miss anything at all," he said.

"Now, I want to try and discover life, to be happy doing other things that have nothing to do with football." He stated, "I'm trying to figure out what my life will look like. I decided to stop because I want to take a bit more care of myself." He also said, "I want to spend more time with my children and with my father, who is 95 and still with us." He left Manchester City after the 2025-26 season following a 10-year tenure in which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League. He has won 35 major titles across his coaching career. He played for Brescia and AS Roma in Serie A from 2001 to 2003 and speaks fluent Italian. Reports state that three other national teams have gauged his interest, including the Netherlands. He stated, "I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired." He said, "The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other." He added, "Without the trophies I would have been sacked but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy." He stated, "It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that's for sure." He stated he needed rest and to step back from club football.

Italy Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi stated he does not want to interfere with the process of choosing a new Italy coach. "Whoever it is, we must stay close to him and support the project that will be elaborated along with Maldini, Leonardo, and the FIGC President," Abodi said. He stated, "You must love the Azzurri jersey and this is not the time to question it." Former England captain Wayne Rooney stated, "If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him." Thomas Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension with the English Football Association in February.