Ancelotti refuses to coach the Azzurri, and the Italian legend is a possible alternative to Guardiola.

Italy is licking its wounds after years of floundering

The expected “revolution” in Italian football is still waiting for its real start, after the new leadership of the Italian federation, led by president Giovanni Malago, technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo, was complicated by the ongoing search for a coach to lead the renewal phase.

In this regard, the newspaper reported “L’Equipe” Pep Guardiola is the biggest dream for the Malago-Maldini pair after they met the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona last week, a French newspaper said on Thursday, while the Italian federation is still exploring more than one option to take charge of the national team at the next round.

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Maldini said today, upon arriving at the Italian League match. “I have no information to give you in this regard. You mentioned one of our goals, but we also spoke to Ancelotti. It’s important to start with the best and then see if they’re interested.”

The newspaper added that Carlo Ancelotti rejected the offer because of the contract with the Brazilian national team, and Guardiola will decide his position in the coming days.

Guardiola taking over as Italy manager could mean a significant pay cut after he earned €23 million a year at Manchester City.

But Maldini hinted that “it’s not a question of money” but rather of my life choices, especially since the Catalan coach has repeatedly confirmed his desire to spend some time with himself and his family in Barcelona.

Other options:

Links: “L’Equipe” If Guardiola refuses, Maldini has high regard for Andrea Pirlo and believes he is capable of embodying the desired change.

But this enthusiasm for Pirlo, whose coaching debut was no different, does not enjoy consensus in the Italian federation.

Malaga, on the other hand, are close to Roberto Mancini, although some officials have not understood how he left Italy in 2023 to coach Saudi Arabia, while the clubs are looking to sign Antonio Conte, who is not considered Maldini’s preferred option.

The newspaper concluded by noting that the scenario of choosing a new coach is still open.

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