Ancelotti has previously spoke of his admiration towards African football, but the Rossoneri boss singled out the Elephants as a potential target.

"I have always expressed my desire. I would like to turn my hand to coaching in Africa," Ancelotti, whose contract with Milan expires in 2010, told Tuttosport.

"I wasn't joking. I am serious. The idea fascinates me. I think African football has great potential.

"I would like to coach the Ivory Coast. They have great players, Didier Drogba for example as well as many others.

The CAN 2008 semi-finalists are strongly tipped to secure qualification to the 2010 World Cup for the second straight time.

"They can win the World Cup, but when they play together for some reason they cannot put it all together.

"When you coach great players then you can do anything, this is why such a challenge appeals to me."

Ivory Coast are currently managed by Bosnian tactician Vahid Halilhodzic, who has just been appointed in May.

They were drawn in Group E in the final qualifiers phase, alongside Guinea, Malawi and Burkina Faso.