Real Madrid legend Ancelotti rivals Barcelona great Guardiola for Italy job

Italy's football federation is actively recruiting a new national team coach after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament. The federation has engaged in talks with two prominent figures: Pep Guardiola, who recently departed Manchester City after a decade-long tenure, and Carlo Ancelotti, currently managing Brazil.

Paolo Maldini, the federation's newly appointed technical director, confirmed that conversations have taken place with both candidates. Maldini and adviser Leonardo travelled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola regarding the position. The federation expressed its intention to announce the successful candidate within seven days, though Maldini indicated a willingness to wait for the preferred choice rather than rush the decision.

Guardiola, aged 55, brings extensive trophy-winning experience, having accumulated 35 major titles across his managerial career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Ancelotti, at 67, holds the distinction of being the only coach to win the Champions League five times and has secured league titles across Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany. However, Ancelotti recently extended his contract with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup, though Brazil's early elimination from the recent World Cup in the round of 16 may complicate his availability.

Other candidates under consideration include former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini, who won the European Championship in 2021, and Antonio Conte, as well as Andrea Pirlo, who was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad as a player. Italy's previous coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned following the playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, which eliminated the team from World Cup contention.