Ancelotti's reason for rejecting Italian offer: Committed to Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti is fully committed to staying with Brazil and rejecting Italy's offer (Instagram/@brasil).

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he has accepted an offer to coach the Italian national team, but says he turned down the role because he remains committed to leading Brazil.

Italy's then technical director Paolo Maldini, who played with Ancelotti and was later coached by him from 2001 to 2009 at AC Milan, told reporters last week that he approached Ancelotti to take over after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Ancelotti also agreed to the offer. However, he was fully committed to Brazil so that he reluctantly rejected the offer from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

"This is not a contract issue, that's not the reason. It's because I have a commitment to the CBF (Brazilian Football Federation) and to this country because this country has welcomed me very warmly during this first year."

"I want to stay here. I thank the FIGC, of course, but I want to stay here (Brazil) because I believe it is right and fair to stay in a country that has welcomed me so warmly, in an institution that has given me the opportunity to work," Ancelotti told ESPN about his decision to reject the Italian offer.

After Ancelotti, the FIGC was rejected by former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. The plan to appoint Andrea Pirlo then failed amid political concerns over a sponsorship deal with Russian betting company Fonbet.

Roberto Mancini was finally confirmed as Italy's coach for the second time earlier this week, after the names of Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi also emerged.

Italy has again appointed Roberto Mancini to lead the Azzurri once again, four years after being sacked from his position.

"Time is almost up and I feel Roberto Mancini is the right person for the job as manager for various reasons. He is the best choice," FIGC President Giovanni Malago said in a press conference.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti signed a contract extension with the CBF in May 2026 until the 2030 World Cup, after the Italian coach took over the Samba Team shortly after leaving Real Madrid a year earlier.

Under Ancelotti, Brazil suffered its earliest World Cup defeat since 1990, losing in the last 16 to Norway. The 67-year-old said he had unfinished business with Brazil.

"The result of the 2026 World Cup was not good. It disappointed everyone and we are all sad. However, we must look back at what has happened with one eye and look to the future with the other eye."

"This next group of players - this country has talented players - and we can build a positive future," the Italian coach said.

Ancelotti is ready to move forward with a new-faced squad, with some veteran players likely to be replaced by younger players.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer, Neymar, is among those to be replaced, after reiterating his decision to retire from Brazil duty.

"I believe that, historically, one generation ends and another must replace it. It must be better than the last," said Ancelotti.

Asked about players such as Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Danilo and Alex Sandro - all 33 or older - Ancelotti did not rule out their future with the team, but insisted there would be changes.

"What we are thinking about is some might come into the squad, but we have to look at the new cycle. We will look at the new cycle and bring in new players."

"This is a chapter that will soon end. Obviously, we have to thank them all. I love them all very much," he said.