Carlo Ancelotti has no immediate plans to return to Italy, but should this change, he is unlikely to show much interest in the national job.
The 54-year-old spent his entire playing career in his homeland, developing through the ranks at Parma before going on to win a Serie A title and four Coppa Italia’s with Roma. He then joined Milan in 1987, and as well as adding two Scudetto’s and another Cup to his personal trophy cabinet, he won the European Cup in 1989 and 1990.
Ancelotti took his first managerial role with Reggiana in 1995 which led to Parma and Juventus, but it was at the Rossoneri where he really established himself as a coach of some reputation. After winning the Coppa Italia in 2003, he led Milan to the Serie A title the following year, and also conquered Europe on two occasions with the club.
He eventually left Italy when Roman Abramovich and Chelsea came calling in 2009, and he guided the Blues to the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season before controversially being sacked the following summer. He was back in the dugout in December 2011 at Paris St Germain, where he won another title last season, and he is currently leading Real Madrid’s charge in La Liga and the Champions League.
There have been suggestions that Ancelotti would be approached to become the new Italy manager when Cesare Prandelli leaves the post, either when his contract expires at the end of the World Cup Finals or possibly in two years’ time after Euro 2016. However, whilst the Bernabeu coach is not ruling out a return to his homeland in the future, he has revealed he is unlikely to be interested in taking on the role as head coach of the Azzurri.
“I do think about it, but I am happy abroad,” Ancelotti, whose Real side are level on top of the Spanish top-flight with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, told Radio Onda. “I would rather return to a club and not the national team, because I still want to work in the field every day.”
