The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held discussions with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti as it looks to appoint a new national team coach following Italy's latest World Cup disappointment.
The federation hopes to name a new coach within the week after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time.
Former Italy captain and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who was appointed FIGC technical director earlier this month, confirmed on Thursday that both Guardiola and Ancelotti had been approached.
Speaking after a meeting with Serie A clubs alongside new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special adviser Leonardo, Maldini said the federation initially contacted Ancelotti before opening talks with Guardiola.
"We wanted to begin by speaking with the best coaches in the world to understand whether they would be interested," Maldini said, while declining to provide further details on the negotiations.
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a highly successful 10-year spell in which he guided the club to numerous domestic and international titles. Over his managerial career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, the 55-year-old has won 35 major trophies.
According to Maldini, he and Leonardo recently travelled to Barcelona for discussions with Guardiola about the Italy job.
He said the federation aims to appoint the preferred candidate as soon as possible but is prepared to wait if necessary.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, recently extended his contract with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup. However, Brazil endured a disappointing campaign, exiting the tournament in the round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
The 67-year-old Italian is one of football's most decorated coaches, having won league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany, along with a record five UEFA Champions League trophies.
Italy's latest failure to qualify for the World Cup came after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. The setback prompted the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Gattuso had taken charge only last June after replacing Luciano Spalletti, whose tenure ended following Italy's poor start to the qualifying campaign.
Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the UEFA Euro 2021 title, and Antonio Conte are also being considered for the role. Former World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo has likewise been linked with the vacancy.