Carlo Ancelotti reveals he snubbed Italy job as he eyes return to club management… but wants Serie A reduced to 18 teams to improve Azzurri
Ex-Bayern Munich boss was approached by FIGC about replacing Giampiero Ventura following World Cup bid failure
CARLO ANCELOTTI snubbed the Italy job in favour of a return to club management.
The Azzurri approached the former Bayern Munich boss about replacing the axed Giampiero Ventura following their failure to qualify for next year's World Cup.
Ancelotti, who was sacked by Bayern in September, has already insisted he will not make his comeback until next season amid interest from Premier League clubs.
The 58-year-old told La Domenica Sportiva: "The FIGC contacted me, I spoke to them. I told them I'm honoured that so many people want me to coach the national team.
"However, that would be like a whole other job. Working for the national team is different to being a club coach, as I still enjoy training and working every day."
The Italian Football Federation is in tatters after president Carlo Tavecchio's resignation.
Ancelotti, who managed AC Milan and Juventus, has some ideas to reform his home nation while on his sabbatical.
He said: "Italian football also has some problems that need to be resolved.
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"I realise there is a conflict of interests between clubs and federations, as there is in Germany, France and England, but right now Italian football needs the Federation to impose its power over the clubs and impose new rules to improve the situation.
"For example, I think Serie A would benefit greatly by being reduced from 20 teams to 18 and I know there are clubs who are ready to vote for that."
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Tavecchio last September proposed plans to boot two teams out of Serie A.
The idea is that the overall skill level of the league would be improved and attract more fans with more competitive matches.
Serie A president Maurizio Beretta has indicated he is open to reformation.
The Italian top flight had 18 clubs from 1988-2004 before the current 20-team format was introduced.
AC Milan won the Champions League - which was the European Cup until 1992 - four times in that period, and Juventus once.