Carlo Ancelotti rejects Italy approach as Brazil coach commits to new World Cup cycle

• Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he turned down an approach from Italy, choosing to honour his commitment to Brazil.
• The Brazil head coach says he remains focused on building a new generation following the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
• Ancelotti expects squad changes ahead of the next international cycle, with several experienced players nearing the end of their time with the national team.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he rejected the opportunity to become Italy head coach, insisting his commitment to Brazil and the Brazilian Football Confederation remains his priority.

The Italian was approached after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, with former technical director Paolo Maldini revealing last week that he contacted his former AC Milan teammate about taking the position.

Ancelotti, though, said the decision had nothing to do with contract negotiations and everything to do with honouring the commitment he made when accepting the Brazil job.

“It’s not a contract issue; that’s not the reason,” Ancelotti told ESPN.

“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.”

After Ancelotti declined the role, Italy’s search for a new manager continued. Pep Guardiola also rejected an approach from the Italian Football Federation, while negotiations with Andrea Pirlo later collapsed. Roberto Mancini was eventually appointed for a second spell as Italy head coach earlier this week.

Ancelotti extended his contract with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup in May after taking charge shortly following his departure from Real Madrid.

His first major tournament in charge ended in disappointment as Brazil suffered a round-of-16 exit to Norway, their earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

The 67-year-old acknowledged the campaign fell well below expectations but believes the focus must now shift toward rebuilding.

“The World Cup result wasn’t good; it disappointed everyone, and we’re all sad,” Ancelotti said.

“But we have to look back at what’s already happened with one eye and look toward the future with the other, because this next group of players, this country has talented players, and we can build a positive future.”

Brazil are expected to enter the next international cycle with a significantly refreshed squad.

Neymar confirmed on Tuesday that his international career has come to an end, while several experienced players are approaching the latter stages of their time with the national team.

Ancelotti believes every successful international side must eventually embrace change.

“I believe that, historically, one generation comes to an end and another must take its place; it has to be better than the last,” he said.

When asked about the futures of senior players including Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Danilo and Alex Sandro, Ancelotti stopped short of ruling any of them out completely but accepted that Brazil’s squad will evolve.

“What we think is that some might make the squad, but we have to look toward a new cycle, and we’re going to look toward a new cycle and bring in new players,” he said.

“It’s a chapter that’s coming to an end. Obviously, we have to thank all of them, and I have a lot of affection for all of them.”