The technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Paolo Maldini, has confirmed that the federation is actively engaged in negotiations to appoint a new head coach for the Italian national team. Maldini stated that discussions have commenced with several top-tier coaches globally, aiming to secure expertise for the Italian representation. “We have contacted Ancelotti and Guardiola.
We have agreed to start a conversation with the best coaches in the world to see if we can be of any help in working with the Italian representation,” Maldini reported. The interest in both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola signals the federation’s commitment to securing a high-profile management appointment. Currently, Ancelotti is managing the Brazilian national team, a role he assumed in May 2025.
His tenure has included participation in the 2026 World Cup, where the Brazilian squad was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to Norway. Separately, Pep Guardiola recently concluded his tenure at Manchester City at the end of the last season. The federation’s outreach to both figures highlights a strategic effort to attract managerial talent with significant international pedigree.
The negotiations aim to finalize a coach who can guide the Italian team through its upcoming fixtures, reflecting the FIGC’s desire to elevate the national squad’s performance on the world stage.
Topics: #ancelotti #guardiola #italian
