Carlo Ancelotti stuns Italy by rejecting Azzurri job after World Cup heartache

CARLO ANCELOTTI has turned down the chance to manage Italy, according to reports.

The former Bayern Munich man was the favourite and obvious choice to lead the nation left heartbroken after failing to qualify for next year's World Cup.

But according to agent Giovanni Branchini, Ancelotti has snubbed the offer to replace the sacked Gian Piero Ventura.

It is believed negotiations with Ancelotti and Italy chiefs took place over the last couple of days.

But Ancelotti was said to be unwilling to commit unless there were reforms made to the Italian football system, according to website .

These were thought to include a review of the status of under-fire Carlo Tavecchio, the president of the Italian Football Federation since 2014.

Branchini told a radio station that ex-Real Madrid boss Ancelotti, who has been out of work since being axed by the Bundesliga side in September, said no to the country.

Speaking of Ancelotti, Branchini said: "I feel that I can exclude the possibility. Carlo respects everyone, but he doesn't feel it is the right time to take the Italy bench."

Italy lost to Sweden 1-0 on aggregate to miss out on a spot at Russia next year.

And the defeat signalled the end of international duty for a number of iconic players for the country, with Gianluigi Buffon among a host to retire.