The search for a new Italian national team coach is picking up steam. Talks have now taken place not only with Pep Guardiola but also with Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
While the former coach of the Azzurri has held a new job at Lazio Rome for a month now, the Italian soccer world continues to wait for Gennaro Gattuso’s successor. The fact that only minor developments have been reported, however, is also due to this: In Italy, they think on a grand scale.
“Ideally, we’d appoint a coach within a week—but it’s even more important to wait for the person we really want,” said Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Who he wants is no longer a secret: Pep Guardiola would be the ideal choice; the Spaniard is currently without a club following his stint at Manchester City. “We’re under time pressure,” Maldini confirmed, but added that there is “no news yet” regarding Guardiola.
What is new, however, is another name being bandied about in Italy. “We’ve also spoken with Ancelotti,” Maldini explained. The Italian, however, has been serving as Brazil’s head coach since the summer of 2025. He experienced a disappointment with the Seleção at the World Cup, as their run ended in the round of 16 against Norway (1–2). The long-time Real Madrid coach’s contract runs through the 2030 World Cup, but it costs nothing to ask, Maldini said in essence. “It seemed right to start with the best in the world, but their availability still needs to be clarified.”
Italy is back in action in two months
But even Federation President Giovanni Malago knows that time is running out. The first Nations League match against World Cup quarterfinalist Belgium is already scheduled for September 25, followed by a match against Turkey three days later. This could be a particular problem with Guardiola. The 55-year-old has actually announced that he wants to take a longer break. On the other hand, he has never made a secret of his fondness for Italy. It’s no coincidence that Guardiola played for AS Roma and Brescia Calcio during his playing career.
According to Malago, the new coach should take over “as soon as possible,” but at the same time, “our goals” must be clearly defined. “We want to close the gap with the other national teams—that’s obvious,” added the FIGC president.