The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is approaching a pivotal decision in appointing a new head coach for the national team following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The federation aims to announce the new coach within the week as it seeks to rebuild after a period of disappointment that culminated in a playoff loss to Bosnia in March, leading to the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Former Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, who was named technical director earlier this month, confirmed ongoing negotiations with high-profile candidates. Maldini revealed that talks have taken place with Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of last season after a successful decade in English soccer. The 55-year-old Guardiola has claimed 35 major titles during his managerial career, including stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Maldini and the federation’s special adviser Leonardo recently spent time in Barcelona to discuss the opportunity with Guardiola.
While Guardiola remains a primary target, Maldini also disclosed that they engaged in conversations with Carlo Ancelotti. However, the Italian federation faces a challenge with Ancelotti’s current contract extension with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup. Ancelotti, 67, is a highly decorated manager with league titles in five countries and a record five Champions League trophies. Despite Brazil’s early exit in the round of 16 at the recent World Cup, he remains a respected figure in world football.
In Germany, the football federation is expected to announce Jürgen Klopp as the new national team coach on Friday. Klopp has been the preferred candidate since the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann following Germany’s unexpected round of 32 elimination by Paraguay. The former Liverpool manager, who has not coached since leaving Liverpool in 2024 due to fatigue, reportedly reached agreement on key contract points and has since expressed readiness to return to coaching. Presently, Klopp works for Red Bull as head of global soccer, overseeing its network of sponsored clubs worldwide.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed that current coach Hajime Moriyasu will remain in charge through the 2024 Asian Cup before stepping down. Moriyasu led Japan to the round of 32 at the World Cup, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Brazil. Go Oiwa, who manages Japan’s Under-23 team, is slated to succeed Moriyasu following the Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2024. Japan, considered among the tournament favorites, will compete in Group F alongside Indonesia, Qatar, and Thailand.