Maldini Reveals Italy's Managerial Considerations

Paolo Maldini, the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), disclosed that Italy intended to approach Carlo Ancelotti for the national team manager role before engaging with Pep Guardiola. This revelation came after Italy's defeat in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina in April, which resulted in the four-time World Cup champions missing out on their third consecutive tournament.

Following this loss, then-manager Gennaro Gattuso resigned, and Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini took over as caretaker manager. Maldini, appointed as FIGC's technical director in July, confirmed that discussions with Ancelotti, the current Brazil manager, occurred prior to any talks with Guardiola.

Ancelotti recently extended his contract with the Brazilian national team until 2030, despite their elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 tournament.