Italy have suffered an initial setback in their search for a new head coach. Before attempting to convince Pep Guardiola, the Italian Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti, but the move ended in rejection. Leonardo and Paolo Maldini had dreamed of appointing Ancelotti to revive the national team, but according to Ge Globo, the Italian coach has made it clear that he will not leave Brazil, where he feels completely fulfilled.
Paolo Maldini, recently appointed technical director of the Italian national team, confirmed the approach: “We also spoke with Carlo Ancelotti before Pep. It seemed logical to start with the best coaches in the world to find out whether they were available.” Under contract with Brazil, however, the former Real Madrid manager never seriously considered leaving the Seleção and quickly turned down the Italian Federation’s proposal.
Guardiola Rejects Italy’s Expensive Proposal
Following Ancelotti’s refusal, Italy turned their attention to Pep Guardiola, who had become the priority for the country’s football officials. The main obstacle was initially financial. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Manchester City manager wanted €20 million per season, while the Italian Federation was only prepared to offer around €10 million. Despite the considerable gap, Italy waited for the Catalan coach’s final decision before abandoning the move.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, that decision has now been made: Guardiola has rejected the opportunity to become Italy’s national team coach. He considered the proposal during the week but wants to spend time with his family, recharge his batteries and return to football at a later date. Leonardo, who joined the project alongside Maldini, explained that Italy are looking for someone who shares their vision and can build genuine harmony with the Federation.
Several alternatives are already being considered, with Antonio Conte, Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini among the leading candidates to take charge of the Squadra Azzurra and begin a new cycle. After losing two of their most prestigious options, Leonardo and Maldini may now have to turn towards a more realistic choice capable of building the long-term sporting project Italy desperately need.
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