Carlo Ancelotti has categorically ruled out managing Italy as he instead wants to "continue coaching in club football" for the time being.

The 58-year-old, out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September, is one of a number of high-profile names to have been linked with the vacant Azzurri job.

Italian Football Federations chiefs are said to have made a formal approach for Ancelotti last month, but his agent suggested at the time that the job did not appeal to the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss.

Ancelotti has now spoken out amid fresh rumours last week, telling state broadcaster Rai: "It would be a completely different job. I want to continue coaching in club football. I still enjoy training and working every day.

"Italian football has some problems and I don't think I can solve them on my own, it's the whole system that needs to be changed. There is a conflict between the federation and the clubs. The federation needs to impose itself on the clubs to improve the system."

Roberto Mancini has also ruled himself out of the running to replace Gian Piero Ventura, who was sacked following Italy's failure to reach the World Cup finals.