Overview
- Paolo Maldini confirmed on Thursday that the FIGC contacted Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti as part of a plan to rebuild Italy’s national team.
- Pep Guardiola personally told Maldini he would not take the job for personal and family reasons, according to reports by Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s May contract renewal with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup makes an immediate move to Italy unlikely without a complex agreement.
- Gianluigi Buffon also declined an executive role, so the federation has narrowed its search toward homegrown figures such as Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.
- The double setback slows Maldini’s timetable for a quick appointment and means the FIGC will now balance a long‑term overhaul of youth and senior structures with more limited coaching options.