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Ancelotti explains why he turned down the Italy job: ‘Not a contract issue’
Jul 30 2026 12:50 · By onefootball.com · 14 Reads
Carlo Ancelotti clarifies that he didn’t turn down the Italy job because of contract issues: ‘I have a commitment to the CBF’ and Brazil.
Ancelotti gave an interview to ESPN, speaking for the first time about the approach from ex-Italy technical director Paolo Maldini.
Ancelotti on Italy snub: ‘Not a contract issue’
“It’s not a contract issue; that’s not the reason,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s because I have a commitment to the CBF and to this country, because this country has welcomed me so warmly during this first year.
“I want to stay here. And I thanked the Italian Federation, of course, but I want to stay here because I believe it’s right and fair to remain in a country that has welcomed me so warmly, at an institution that has given me the opportunity to work.”
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Ancelotti was only appointed as Brazil head coach a year ago and signed a contract extension until 2030 before the beginning of the World Cup.
Ex-Italy technical director Maldini contacted both Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola to offer them the Italy job before turning to Andrea Pirlo.
Yet FIGC President Giovanni Malagò refused to confirm the appointment of the former midfielder, officially due to his links with a Russian betting company.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Maldini resigned alongside his advisor Leonardo, leading Malagò to choose Roberto Mancini as Italy’s new head coach and Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director.
Maldini played under Ancelotti at Milan, and together they won multiple trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles.