Ancelotti reveals Italy talks but insists his Brazil project is ‘not finished yet’

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he was offered the chance to take over as Italy head coach, but says he turned it down because he remains committed to the Brazil national team.

Paolo Maldini, then technical director at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), revealed last week that he had approached Ancelotti after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third successive time. Maldini, who played alongside Ancelotti and later worked under him at Milan between 2001 and 2009, said initial contact had been made about the role.

Speaking to ESPN, Ancelotti explained why he rejected the opportunity to coach his home country, stressing that his decision was driven by loyalty to Brazil rather than financial terms.

“It’s not about the contract, that’s not the reason,” he said. “The reason is my commitment to the Brazilian Football Confederation and to this country, because this country welcomed me very warmly in my first year.”

He continued: “I want to stay here. I thanked the Italian federation, of course, but I want to stay here because I think it is right and fair to remain in a country that received me so warmly, and in an organisation that gave me the chance to work.”

Italy turn to Mancini after failed approaches

After Ancelotti declined, former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also rejected an offer from the FIGC. Plans then moved towards appointing Andrea Pirlo, but that proposal collapsed amid political concerns surrounding a sponsorship deal with a Russian betting company.

Italy eventually turned to Roberto Mancini, whose appointment as national team coach was confirmed last Monday.

Long-term Brazil deal despite World Cup disappointment

Ancelotti signed a contract extension with the Brazilian Football Confederation in May, tying him to the job through to the 2030 World Cup. The 67-year-old had taken charge of the Selecao shortly after leaving Real Madrid a year earlier.

His first World Cup at the helm ended badly for Brazil, who suffered their earliest elimination from the tournament since 1990, going out in the last 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Norway.

Ancelotti acknowledged the scale of the disappointment but argued that the setback underlined how much work still needs to be done.

“The World Cup result was not good; we disappointed everyone, and we are all sad,” he said. “But we have to look at the past with one eye, and look to the future with the other, because this next group of players – this country has very talented players – and we can build a bright future.”

Transition looming for Brazil’s golden generation

Ancelotti is preparing to reshape his squad, with several senior figures expected to make way for younger players. Among those is Neymar, Brazil’s all‐time leading goalscorer, who has announced his retirement from international football.

“I think that historically, one generation ends and it must be replaced by another generation; it has to be better than the previous one,” Ancelotti said.

Asked specifically about the prospects of experienced players such as Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Danilo and Alex Sandro – all aged 33 or over – Ancelotti did not rule out them remaining involved. However, he made clear that a renewal phase is underway.

“What we believe is that some may join the team, but we have to look to a new cycle, and we will look to a new cycle and bring in new players,” he explained.

“It’s a chapter that is about to end,” he added. “Obviously we must thank them all, and I have a lot of affection for all of them.”