Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side after leaving Manchester City in May, where he won 17 major trophies in 10 seasons with the club. He has now told the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) he intends to continue with his plan to take a break from the game, allowing him to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.
Earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and that
exceptionscould be made for his salary. On Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.
Ancelotti has agreed to stay in post, and after taking some time to consider the situation, Guardiola has said no. In addition to a huge salary, the FIGC is understood to have effectively told Guardiola he could shape the job as he saw fit, as they tried to tempt one of the most successful coaches in the game to take charge of a side that has failed to qualify for three World Cups in a row.
It means former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is the frontrunner to be tasked with navigating Italy through a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn and then try to qualify for Euro 2028.
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