Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti to become their national team manager before holding talks with Pep Guardiola. <\/p>\n
The Azzurri have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April<\/a> following the country’s failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup. <\/p>\n Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer<\/a> after 10 years, and “exceptions” could be made for his salary.<\/p>\n But on Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.<\/p>\n “We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep,” said Maldini during a news conference. <\/p>\n “Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world.” <\/p>\n Ancelotti, a former team-mate of Maldini for both Italy and AC Milan, took charge of Brazil in 2025 and extended his contract<\/a> in May until the 2030 World Cup.<\/p>\n