Italy’s Quest for a New National Team Coach After World Cup Failure

Italy missed World Cup qualification for the third straight tournament, losing a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. The defeat led to the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who had replaced Luciano Spalletti in April. The federation now must appoint a new head coach.

The Guardian

In July, former defender Paolo Maldini became FIGC technical director. On July 23 he, president Giovanni Malagò and adviser Leonardo met with Serie A club representatives and confirmed talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. “We wanted to begin by speaking with the best coaches in the world to understand whether they would be interested,” Maldini said.

The IndependentAgenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)Maldini confirms Italy have held talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti for new coach Maldini and Leonardo confirm talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti for Italy job The GuardianItaly approaches Guardiola, Ancelotti as search for new national coach intensifies Unlike Guardiola: the Italian federation announces talks with an experienced coach

Maldini stressed balancing speed and quality: “The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want.” Leonardo added that urgency should not force a rushed decision.

Maldini and Leonardo confirm talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti for Italy job

• “The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want,” — Paolo Maldini

The Guardian

• “There is urgency, but it is not an urgency that pushes us to make a rushed decision.” — Leonardo

Unlike Guardiola: the Italian federation announces talks with an experienced coach

• Italy is a four-time World Cup champion.

The Guardian

• Carlo Ancelotti, 67, has won league titles in five countries and holds five UEFA Champions League trophies.

Maldini confirms Italy have held talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti for new coach

• Pep Guardiola, 55, left Manchester City after a ten-year spell that produced six Premier League titles and a Champions League win.

The Guardian

Media reports also mention former Italy managers Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, and 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo as possible options.

Italy approaches Guardiola, Ancelotti as search for new national coach intensifies

The FIGC indicated a decision could be announced within the week of July 23 but is prepared to extend the timeline to secure a coach whose philosophy fits its long-term technical plan. The appointment will be pivotal for Italy’s effort to restore its international standing.

Unlike Guardiola: the Italian federation announces talks with an experienced coach