Maldini confirms crisis-hit Italy have held talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti

<ul><li><p>Italy have failed to qualify for last three World Cups</p></li><li><p>Guardiola is out of work while Ancelotti is still with Brazil</p></li></ul><p>The Italian football federation (FIGC) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/22/financial-exceptions-pep-guardiola-next-italy-head-coach">has talked to Pep Guardiola</a>, the former Manchester City coach, and Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil manager, about taking over the crisis-hit national team.</p><p>It hopes to announce the new Italy coach within the week, with the <em>Azzurri</em> still reeling <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/01/italy-miss-out-world-cup-qualify">after failing for a third straight time to qualify for the World Cup</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/23/paolo-maldini-italy-pep-guardiola-carlo-ancelotti-world-cup-new-manager">Continue reading...</a>