The Italian national football team, the Azzurri, first approached Carlo Ancelotti about the manager's position before engaging in discussions with Pep Guardiola. Italy has been seeking a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April, following the team's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that Ancelotti, a former player and teammate, was contacted first. Maldini stated, "We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep. Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world."

Ancelotti, currently managing Brazil, took charge in 2025 and extended his contract until the 2030 World Cup. Despite a recent World Cup exit, the Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed he will remain with the team.