Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he "cannot make a decision" on whether the vacant Italy job appeals to him until a new structure is put in place.
The 58-year-old is a rumoured frontrunner to take over at former club Chelsea or Arsenal in the summer should either side replace their current manager.
Italian football chiefs also reportedly remain keen on appointing the experienced boss, and they want a new man in charge come the end of May.
Ancelotti could be holding out for a Premier League return, however, having once again stalled when asked if he is interested in managing his national side.
"My answer is this: the federation, now with the help of Coni (Italian Olympic Committee), must create its own new structure, after which it will make the decision," The Mirror quotes him as saying.
"I can't make a decision now. It needs clarity, then you can think about it, even if my goal is still to train a club team."
Ancelotti has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September after just one full season in charge.
Daniel Lewis
