Carlo Ancelotti emerged as a leading candidate to fill the vacant Italy national team position after another shake‑up in the FIGC. Yet the former Real Madrid boss decided to stay with Brazil, explaining why he turned down the chance to coach his home country.
Last week, Italy technical director Paolo Maldini said that Carlo Ancelotti had been approached alongside Pep Guardiola. “Guardiola? We can’t share any news; you have identified one of our targets, but we have also spoken with Ancelotti. It felt right to start with the best in the world, but we need to verify their overall availability,” Maldini said during a press conference with FIGC officials.
Ultimately, Andrea Pirlo emerged as a leading contender, but his links to a Russian betting firm caused FIGC president Giovanni Malago to abandon talks, a dispute that led to Maldini’s resignation. Claudio Ranieri took over as technical director and Roberto Mancini was appointed head coach, leaving Ancelotti firmly in place with Brazil.
Why Ancelotti Chose Brazil Over Italy
After an illustrious playing career, Ancelotti began his coaching journey as an assistant to Arrigo Sacchi with the Azzurri from 1992 to 1995, which included the 1994 World Cup final. Having won domestic league titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues, the 67‑year‑old was presented with the chance to return home and lead Italy’s national team.
Vinicius Junior #7 is consoled by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
In an interview with ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida, Ancelotti explained his stance: “The truth is… it’s not a contract matter. Rather, it is because I am committed to the CBF and to this country, which welcomed me warmly during my first year, and I wish to remain here.”
While acknowledging the FIGC’s formal approach, Ancelotti reaffirmed his belief in the Brazil project. He said, “I thanked the Italian Federation, but I want to remain in Brazil because I believe it is right and fair to stay in a country that welcomed me so well, at an institution that gave me the opportunity to work.”
Ancelotti is currently the highest‑paid manager in international soccer, earning roughly $11.3 million per year alongside perks such as private aviation access. The Italian federation reportedly prepared a similar offer, but neither a generous salary nor the draw of his homeland could convince the former Real Madrid coach to leave Brazil.
Ancelotti remains under contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) through June 2030 after extending his deal ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This commitment ensures he will steer the Selecao through the post‑Neymar era, guiding the team in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, the 2028 Copa América, and the 2030 World Cup.
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