Italy is aiming high to rebuild its squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Paolo Maldini, the new FIGC national teams director, admitted in a press conference this week that the Italian federation has already approached Carlo Ancelotti, the current Brazil manager, to gauge a possible return of the Italian to lead the Azzurri. The Brazil national team, which crashed out in the Round of 16 against Norway at the last World Cup, remains with Ancelotti until 2030 under a deal officially confirmed by CBF before the tournament.

What happened?

Maldini, the ex-Milan defender and club legend, revealed that FIGC reached out to Ancelotti before even opening talks with Pep Guardiola. The Italian federation’s goal is to name its new coach within days, but urgency doesn’t override the search for the perfect fit. “Guardiola? We can’t give information; you’ve identified one of the targets, but we’ve also spoken with Ancelotti,” Maldini said. “It’s fair to start with the best in the world, but we need to check each candidate’s availability.”

Gennaro Gattuso’s dismissal after the Bosnia loss in the 2026 qualifiers opened the door for Italy’s overhaul. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the deal with Guardiola stalled over money: the Spanish coach asked for €20 million a year, double FIGC’s budget ceiling of roughly €10 million for the technical staff.

Why it matters for Brazil

The approach to Ancelotti underlines Italy’s ambition to return to the top of world football, even as the Brazil national team’s cycle is locked until 2030. CBF kept the Italian manager after criticism of the 2026 World Cup run, when the side was knocked out by Norway in the Round of 16. Brazil’s last result was a 1-2 loss on July 5, 2026, with the recent run standing at four wins and one defeat across the last five games.

Italy, four-time world champions, is rebuilding after crashing out in the qualifiers, while the Brazil national team gears up for its next test: an away friendly against Australia on September 25, 2026. Pressure for results is rising on both sides, but CBF remains confident in Ancelotti’s project.

What comes next?

FIGC is expected to name its new coach within days, but Maldini made clear the choice must be spot-on. “The ideal would be to name the coach this week, but above all we want the right person,” the ex-player said. “There’s urgency, but inside us, not so much.”

While Italy finalizes its future, the Brazil national team stays focused on 2030. The next challenge for the side is to keep its positive streak and regain fan trust after the early exit in 2026. CBF isn’t planning major changes at the helm, but the transfer market and prep for the next World Cup qualifiers are already in motion.