A new direction for Italian football
The Italian Football Federation, known by its Italian acronym FIGC, has opened a search for a new head coach after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Names such as Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City veteran who ended a decade‑long spell at the Premier League champions, and Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian tactician currently bound to a contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup, dominate the shortlist.
Paolo Maldini, the legendary defender turned technical director of the federation, confirmed that talks have taken place with both coaches, signalling a willingness to blend experience with fresh ideas.
The appointment comes amid a period of upheaval: former coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are also mentioned as favourites, while Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup champion as a player, is reportedly in the mix.
Maldini, together with the newly elected FIGC president Giovanni Malago, aim to announce the successor to the current coach in the coming weeks, hoping to restore the national team’s competitive edge.
Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City after a ten‑year tenure saw him depart with a record 35 major trophies, a legacy that includes three league titles with Barcelona and a Champions League triumph with Bayern Munich.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has extended his stay with Brazil, a move that ties his future to the global stage until 2030, adding another layer of intrigue to the FIGC’s decision.
The broader context reflects a nation eager for renewal; the disappointment of missing the World Cup has prompted a leadership reshuffle, with the federation hoping that a high‑profile coach can ignite a revival.