Ancelotti an option for Milan or Roma if Real Madrid exit confirmed | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League is casting serious doubt on Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with suggestions that he could return to Serie A if given the opportunity to coach two of his favourite clubs.

The Blancos crashed out of Europe’s premier competition after a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the quarter-finals, prompting the club to consider sacking him even before the end of the season, according to multiple outlets.

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 10: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, leaves the field at half-time during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Ancelotti has insisted he doesn’t want to know about his fate at the club, but with Real Madrid still locked in a tight La Liga title race—trailing Barcelona—and a Copa del Rey final still to be played, even a single misstep could prove fatal for the Italian manager.

Ancelotti’s exit from Real Madrid could open the door to Roma and Milan jobs

With his position under threat and the likelihood of being without a job next summer increasing, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that both Roma and Milan could emerge as possible destinations, as both clubs are currently in search of a new head coach.

Although Ancelotti had previously declared his intention to retire after his spell at Real Madrid, La Rosea highlights that he has always expressed a deep affection for the two Serie A giants, stating he would ‘return to Roma sooner or later’ and describing Milan as a club that “marked” his life—one he considers “special” alongside Los Blancos.

Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gestures during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Therefore, his departure from Real Madrid could open the door for a return to San Siro or his first stint as a coach at the Stadio Olimpico, where he spent eight seasons as a player.

Timing could prove decisive, as both clubs may appoint new coaches before Ancelotti officially becomes available, though the prospect of playing in European competitions next season could also weigh heavily in his decision.