The Italian football federation (FIGC) has confirmed it has held talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti about becoming the new Italy manager, as the country seeks to rebuild after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Technical director Paolo Maldini revealed the approaches following a meeting with Serie A clubs, saying the federation wanted to "start with the best in the world" to gauge their availability, with an announcement hoped for within the week.

Maldini and special advisor Leonardo reportedly spent three days in Barcelona discussing the role with Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of last season after a decade in charge. Ancelotti, meanwhile, is contracted to Brazil until 2030 but oversaw one of the country's worst World Cup showings as they crashed out in the last 16 to Norway. Italy's playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March prompted the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso, with Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo also named as contenders for the vacant post.