Italy manager's job: Azzurri approached Carlo Ancelotti before Pep Guardiola, says Paolo Maldini
Italian football officials have revealed that they approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team manager position before entering talks with Pep Guardiola. The federation is currently seeking a new coach following their failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Why it matters
The search for a high-profile manager highlights the ongoing crisis and rebuilding efforts within Italian national football.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola have both held talks with Italy over the national team coaching job
Italy approached Carlo Ancelotti to become their national team manager before holding talks with Pep Guardiola.
The Azzurri have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup.
Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and "exceptions" could be made for his salary.
But on Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.
"We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep," said Maldini during a news conference.
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