Ancelotti turns down Italy job as Guardiola and Pirlo emerge in Azzurri reshuffle talks

Italy’s planned overhaul at national team level remains on hold after Carlo Ancelotti rejected an approach to coach the Azzurri, with Pep Guardiola still the leading target and Andrea Pirlo viewed as a possible alternative if the former Manchester City manager says no.

The Italian federation’s new leadership – president Giovanni Malago, technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo – is yet to complete its restructuring as it continues to search for the coach who will lead a renewal of the national side.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Guardiola is the “dream” appointment for both Malago and Maldini. The pair met the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona last week as they explored options for the role.

Maldini, speaking on Thursday on his arrival at a Serie A meeting, declined to elaborate on how talks had progressed but confirmed Guardiola is among the primary targets.

He said: “I don’t have any information to give you on this. You have identified one of our targets, but we also spoke with Ancelotti. It’s important to start from the best, then see if they are interested.”

Ancelotti turns Italy down

L’Equipe reports that Ancelotti has already turned down the offer to take charge of Italy because of his existing contract with Brazil, removing one of the most high-profile and experienced candidates from contention.

Guardiola is expected to clarify his position in the coming days. Should he accept, it would almost certainly require him to accept a significantly lower salary than he earned at Manchester City, where he was paid around €23m per year.

Maldini, however, suggested money would not be the decisive factor in any potential agreement with the Catalan coach.

He indicated that “it’s not a matter of money”, framing the decision instead as a broader life choice, especially given Guardiola has repeatedly spoken about his desire to take time for himself and his family in Barcelona.

Pirlo seen as symbol of change

L’Equipe adds that, if Guardiola declines the job, Maldini has great admiration for Andrea Pirlo and believes the former midfield great could embody the kind of change the federation is seeking.

Pirlo’s coaching career to date has been mixed, and his early experiences on the touchline have not been especially distinguished. That has contributed to scepticism within parts of the Italian federation, where enthusiasm for his possible appointment is not universally shared.

Diverging views on Mancini and Conte

Within the federation’s leadership, Malago is described as being close to Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory before leaving the national team job in 2023 to become head coach of Saudi Arabia.

Some officials remain unhappy with the manner of Mancini’s departure for Saudi Arabia and have not fully accepted how that episode unfolded, which complicates any potential return.

At the same time, several clubs are understood to be lobbying for Antonio Conte to be given the national job. Conte, who has previously coached Italy and enjoyed major success at club level, is not seen as Maldini’s preferred option.

With leading candidates split across different power centres – Malago’s rapport with Mancini, clubs pushing for Conte, and Maldini strongly favouring Guardiola and, failing that, Pirlo – consensus has yet to emerge.

For now, with Ancelotti out of the running, Guardiola’s forthcoming decision is set to shape the next phase of Italy’s search. As L’Equipe concludes, the scenario around appointing the new head coach remains wide open, and the long-promised “revolution” in Italian football has not yet begun in earnest.