Pep Guardiola has informed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that he intends to stick with his plan to take a break from football, ruling himself out of the running to become Italy’s next head coach. Guardiola left Manchester City in May after winning 17 major trophies across 10 seasons at the club.
The FIGC had made a serious push to land the Spaniard, understood to have offered him a significant salary while telling him he could effectively shape the role as he saw fit. Despite those assurances, Guardiola has declined after taking time to consider the offer, choosing instead to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.
Italy had first turned to Carlo Ancelotti before approaching Guardiola, with FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirming on Thursday that the former Italy player was their initial target. Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil, has since agreed to remain in that post, clearing the way for the federation to explore other options.
The search for a new coach comes as Italy attempt to end a troubling run that has seen them fail to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. With that backdrop, the pressure on whoever takes the job is considerable.
Andrea Pirlo is now the frontrunner to take charge. The former Italy playmaker is currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC and would be tasked with steering the national side through a Nations League group containing France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn, before attempting to qualify for Euro 2028.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
