Paolo Maldini revealed talks with Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti about the Italian coach’s vacancy

Italy a legend Paolo Maldini He has stepped into a key leadership position in charge of the search for the next Azzurri coach, spearheading a complete turnaround aimed at the 2030 World Cup. Among a whirlwind list of potential management targets, the newly hired technology director revealed that the federation has had preliminary talks with the current Brazilian manager Carlo Ancelotti to fill the top spot on the bench.

On July 23, Serie A called a meeting in Via Rosellini with the top officials of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), including the newly elected president Giovanni Malago, technical director and head of Club Italia Paolo Maldini, and special adviser Leonardo. Finding a permanent national team manager was high on the agenda, and officials confirm that dialogue has also been opened with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

When asked in the post-match press conference about his pursuit of the legendary Spanish manager, Maldini dropped a headline-grabbing revelation on the international stage: “Guardiola? We cannot share any news; he pointed out one of our targets, but we also spoke to Ancelotti. It seemed right to start with the best in the world, but we need to ensure their overall availability.“

While Maldini emphasized that these communications were exploratory rather than formal contract negotiationsthis news is still sending shockwaves throughout the football world. Ancelotti has a contract with Brazil The Football Confederation (CBF) until June 2030, keeps him locked up as the head of the club The Selecaoa long-term sports project.

Carlo Ancelotti (R) and Paolo Maldini (L) as Milan manager and Milan captain back in 2007.

Maldini gave more details on how the coalition is approaching the decision-making timeline. “The ideal situation would be to appoint the manager of the national team this week, but more importantly we are waiting for the person we really want. There is urgency, but deep down, not too much of one,” explained the former defenseman.

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It follows the departure of Gennaro Gattuso in April behind Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, Silvio Baldini has been appointed as interim coach of the senior team. Baldini, who is also in charge of Italy’s U-21 team, led the team in recent friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece and will remain in charge until a permanent appointment is made.

Ancelotti represents the complex target of Italy

After leaving Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May 2025, marking his first stint as national team manager as he seeks to restore discipline to five world champions. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, The CBF has announced a contract extension to 2030cementing the Italian specialist as a key pillar of their long-term international plan.

Awarding Ancelotti away from Brazil presents the FIGC with major logistical and financial hurdles. In accordance with Globo Esportemore than annual salary of €770,000 (about $853,000)Ancelotti’s compensation package includes a 5 million Euro World Cup victory bonus, private airfare, and luxury accommodations in Barra da Tijuca near Rio de Janeiro.

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