Italian Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he turned down the role of Italy coach preferring to stay in club management.
Ancelotti, 58, was the favourite to take over after Giampiero Ventura was fired following Italy's shock failure to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years.
"Yes the federation contacted me, I spoke to them. I told them what I am telling you now, that I am honoured by so many people wanting me to be the coach of the national side," Ancelotti told La Domenica Sportiva television show.
"However, that would be like a whole other job. Being a national coach is different to being a club coach, as I still enjoy training and working every day."