Italy plans talks with Guardiola Ancelotti

Italy’s football leadership, led by Paolo Maldini as technical director and with Leonardo as adviser, is conducting a broad search for the next national team coach and has signaled a preference to wait for the right candidate rather than rush a decision. Maldini and Leonardo have openly discussed talking to Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, stressing a goal of hiring a world-class figure who can lead a long-term project for the Azzurri. Ancelotti remains Brazil’s coach through 2030, while Guardiola’s possible interest is tempered by salary demands and his wish to spend more time in Barcelona, complicating the hiring timeline. Other potential contenders cited include Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo, reflecting Italy’s willingness to consider a range of top coaches as they aim to overhaul training and development across the national setup. Officials say they would prefer to appoint by the end of the week but prioritize selecting the right person for a project centered on the 2030 World Cup, signaling a strategic, long-term approach over a quick fix.