Italy Coach Hunt
Italy Football Leadership Pursues Guardiola, Ancelotti For Long-Term Coach Project Amid Complications
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Key Points
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Guardiola is reportedly asking as much as €20 million per year to take the Italy job, which would double the federation's offer.
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Guardiola's plan to spend more time in Barcelona with his family is complicating the timing of any potential appointment, according to reports cited in coverage.
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Maldini and Leonardo recently spent about three days in Barcelona discussing the Italy job with Guardiola, underscoring the emphasis on a world-class, long-term hire.
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Conte is cited among candidates and had previously coached Italy from 2014 to 2016, illustrating the breadth of options being considered.
Italy's football federation is chasing two of the world's biggest coaching names to fix its struggling national team. Technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed this week that the federation has held talks with both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, according to The Independent and The New York Times.
The search comes after Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy coach, leaving the Azzurri without a leader. Maldini, working alongside adviser Leonardo, says the federation wants a world-class figure to lead a long-term project built around the 2030 World Cup.
Maldini and Leonardo Spent Three Days Pitching Guardiola
Maldini and Leonardo flew to Barcelona and spent roughly three days meeting with Guardiola to discuss the Italy job, AJC reported. That level of effort signals how serious the federation is about landing a marquee name. Maldini said the goal is not to rush but to "get the right person" for a project that spans years, not just the next tournament.
Guardiola, who recently left Manchester City after nine trophy-laden years, has not said yes. He told the federation he wants to spend more time in Barcelona with his family, complicating any deal. His salary demands also present a major hurdle, according to Local 10.
Guardiola's €20 Million Demand Would Double Italy's Budget
Guardiola is reportedly asking for €20 million per year to take the Italy job. That figure would be roughly double what the federation has offered, Local 10 reported. The gap between what Italy can pay and what Guardiola wants is one of the biggest obstacles in the talks.
Italy's football federation is not a club with commercial revenue to match a top European side. Paying a coach €20 million a year would be an extraordinary commitment for a national team setup. Officials have not said publicly whether they are willing to close that gap.
Ancelotti Talks Complicate His Brazil Contract Through 2030
Carlo Ancelotti is also in the picture, but he comes with his own complication: he is currently Brazil's head coach under a contract that runs through 2030. The New York Times reported that Maldini confirmed talks with Ancelotti have taken place. Any move would require Brazil to release him early, which is far from guaranteed.
Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches in history. He has won the Champions League four times and has managed clubs including Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich. His name alone signals the scale of ambition Italy is aiming for in this search.
Conte and Pirlo Wait in the Wings as Backup Options
If the federation cannot land Guardiola or Ancelotti, other names are circulating. Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo have both been mentioned as candidates, according to Head Topics. Conte coached Italy before, from 2014 to 2016, and knows the national team setup well.
Officials said they would prefer to make an appointment by the end of the week, but they stressed that getting the right coach matters more than speed. The 2030 World Cup is the target. Italy wants a coach who will build something lasting, not just patch things up.
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