The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is in talks with former Manchester City and Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti to take over as head coach of the Italy national football team. This move comes as Italy reels from failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Paolo Maldini, former Italy and AC Milan defender, was appointed as the federation’s new technical director earlier this month. Maldini recently attended a meeting with Serie A clubs alongside FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special adviser Leonardo.

Ancelotti, who signed a contract extension with Brazil in May through to the 2030 World Cup, has faced criticism after Brazil's early exit in the round of 16 following a 2-1 loss to Norway. Despite this, the FIGC confirmed they engaged with Ancelotti before approaching Guardiola.

The federation aims to announce the new Italy coach within the week as it seeks to rebuild the national team.

Additional recent football news includes the retirement of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa after a 22-year career, Norway's planned complaint to FIFA over the Balogun saga, and the English FA charging Southampton coach Tonda Eckert over the 'spygate' controversy.

Sources