Italy Approached Ancelotti for Head Coach Role Before Guardiola

Italy contacted Carlo Ancelotti about their vacant head coach position before turning to Pep Guardiola. The Italian Football Federation has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April, following Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Italy missing a third consecutive World Cup is a deepening crisis for one of football's most storied nations, and the identity of their next coach carries significant weight for their rebuilding effort.