Carlo Ancelotti to manage Azzurri? Italy sack coach Gian Piero Ventura, ex-Chelsea boss identified as target

Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura has been shown the exit door after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

A 1-0 aggregate defeat to Sweden in the qualifiers of the play-off saw Italy miss out from the next summer's tournament. Italy finished second in Group G, behind leaders Spain in the World Cup qualifiers.

The four-time winners failed to qualify for the biggest international football tournament for the first time since 1958. Despite losing only thrice, Ventura failed to help Italy seal a berth for the tournament in Russia.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced their decision that Ventura has been sacked from his post as Italy coach on 15 November.

A statement on their official website read, "During the meeting called by FIGC Preisdent Tavecchio with Presidents of the organisation's various components, Gravina, Nicchi, Sibilia, Tommasi and Ulivieri were in attendance as discussions were held following the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia."

"As a point of order to open the day, Tavecchio announced that from today, Gian Piero Ventura is no longer the Coach of the Italian National Team.

"The President informed the representatives in attendance that he is unwilling to relinquish his mandate and will instead offer himself to the Federal Council which is being convened for a series of proposals where members will be called upon to express themselves."

Ventura replaced Antonio Conte as Italy coach as the former Juventus boss took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016. FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio has revealed "important names" are being considered to replace the 69-year-old outgoing manager.

"I want to respect you, I think it's my duty. I spoke to Ventura and I told him that we were no longer in need of his services and he's no longer coach of the national team," Tavecchio was quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"We've been thinking of important names and we're going to carry them to the end of the process.

"On Monday, there will be a Federal Council meeting, where I will present a program which will be done in conjunction with the other leagues. I'll present this proposal and the council will decide. I have nothing further to add."

Carlo Ancelotti identified as potential replacement.

According to Sky Sports, former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been identified as a target to replace Ventura as Italy's head coach. He is also linked with a return to Chelsea as a replacement for Conte at Stamford Bridge, reports the Sun.

Conte's future at Chelsea has been widely discussed since the summer and is still in doubt. Ancelotti, who is without a job after being sacked by Bayern Munich earlier in the season, is reportedly the first choice to replace Conte.