Italy move for Ancelotti after Ventura sack

Italy have set their sights on Carlo Ancelotti to become their new head coach after sacking the unsuccessful Gian Piero Ventura on Wednesday.

Ventura's side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 following a 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden.

Reports state that Ancelotti has been approached by the Italian Football Federation about replacing the 69-year-old, who lasted only 18 months in the job.

Ventura's side failed to score in both legs of their play-off and he came under criticism for a string of specific decisions, including the decision not to introduce striker Lorenzo Insigne as a late sub in Milan.

His potential successor Ancelotti, 58, has an impressive CV in club management but has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, currently in charge of Zenit St Petersburg in Russia, and Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri are the other leading names reportedly in the frame.

UCJ, UNILORIN.