The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly held talks with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti regarding the vacant position of head coach for the crisis-hit national team.

The federation hopes to announce the new Italy coach within the week, as the Azzurri continue to reel from failing to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

Former Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, appointed as the federation's new technical director earlier this month, was present at a meeting with Serie A clubs on Thursday alongside new FIGC president Giovanni Malago and special adviser Leonardo.

"Honestly, we can't give news about what's happening. You've identified one of our targets," Maldini said when asked about Guardiola. "We can't hide that we also talked with Carlo Ancelotti before talking with Pep. Honestly, it seemed right to start with the best in the world."

Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a trophy-laden decade. The 55-year-old has won 35 major titles across his career, including at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Maldini and Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona recently to discuss the Italy job with Guardiola.

"The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want," Maldini said.

Ancelotti signed a contract extension with Brazil in May through to the 2030 World Cup. The 67-year-old has won league titles in five countries and is the only coach to have won the Champions League five times.

Four-time world champion Italy missed a third straight World Cup after a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are also among the favorites, while Andrea Pirlo is reportedly in contention.

Source: www.aljazeera.com