Maldini: "Guardiola? We can't give news, but we've also spoken with Ancelotti"

Pep Guardiola is a primary target to become the new coach of the Italian national football team, according to Paolo Maldini, the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

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Guardiola? We cannot give news, but we have also spoken with Ancelotti.

Maldini confirmed the federation's interest in the Spanish manager, stating, "Guardiola? We cannot give news, but we have also spoken with Ancelotti." He added that they considered it right to "start with the best in the world" but must verify their general availability.

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It seemed right to start with the best in the world, but we must verify their general availability.

Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of Brazil, has also been in contact with the FIGC regarding the position. Maldini expressed the desire to resolve the situation as soon as possible, ideally within the week, but emphasized the importance of waiting for the person they truly want.

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The ideal would be to appoint the coach this week, but it is even more so to wait for the person we really want.

Maldini acknowledged the significant responsibility and pressure of the role, describing it as a "call to arms" and noting that it is difficult to refuse an invitation from Italy. He felt the possibility of achieving ambitious goals and the collective will for renewal were compelling factors. He also highlighted the efforts of FIGC President Giovanni Malagò in convincing him to take on the position.

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There is haste, but deep down, not so much.