Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side, leaving a crisis-hit federation scrambling for a new manager just weeks after Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup. The former Manchester City boss, who left the club this summer after 10 trophy-laden years, informed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that he intends to continue his plan to take a break from the game. The decision has implications not just for Italy, but for English football, as the FA has long been linked with Guardiola as a future England manager.
The basics: Italy, four-time world champions, failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. That triggered the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. The federation then turned to the biggest names in management. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed talks with both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, currently in charge of Brazil. Guardiola was seen as the dream candidate: a coach who won 17 major trophies at Manchester City, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. But after three days of talks in Barcelona with Maldini and special advisor Leonardo, Guardiola said no.
“Pep Guardiola turned down Italy – here's why it matters for English football.”
Why this issue exists: Italy’s decline has been dramatic. Once the dominant force in world football, the Azzurri have now missed three consecutive World Cups. The federation hoped a superstar manager could reverse the slump, but Guardiola’s refusal highlights deeper problems. FIGC president Giovanni Malago admitted financial constraints: “There are certain financial aspects … we’d have to grit our teeth.” Even with “exceptions” made for Guardiola’s salary, the deal fell through. Guardiola reportedly told Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Thank you, I’m honoured, but at this moment, I don’t feel it.” He is said to have doubts about international management and wants a break after intense spells at Bayern Munich and City.
Why it matters for UK readers: Guardiola’s decision keeps him out of work – and on the radar of the English FA. Current England manager Thomas Tuchel is still in post, but calls for his dismissal after a World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina have been resisted. The Mirror reports that the FA could be watching the situation closely. If Guardiola eventually feels ready for international football, England would be a natural fit. For now, his rejection of Italy suggests he is not yet ready to commit to any national team.
Q: Why did Italy fail to qualify for three World Cups in a row? Italy’s decline stems from a combination of factors: an ageing squad, inconsistent coaching, and a failure to develop young talent. They missed the 2018 tournament, the 2022 tournament, and now the 2026 one, with each failure triggering a federation crisis.
Q: Who will be Italy’s next manager after Guardiola turned them down? Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is the frontrunner. Italy face a Nations League group including France, Belgium and Turkey this autumn, and then must try to qualify for Euro 2028.
Q: Could Pep Guardiola still become England manager? It’s possible but not imminent. Guardiola wants a break and is unsure about international management. The FA is expected to stand by Thomas Tuchel for now, but Guardiola remains a long-term target.
What happens next: The FIGC hopes to announce a new coach within the week. Maldini said: “The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want.” With Guardiola out, Pirlo is the favourite. Meanwhile, Guardiola will rest, travel, and spend time with his family – leaving English football watching and waiting.