Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to become Italy's next head coach, telling the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) he does not feel ready for international management after leaving Manchester City this summer.
The 55-year-old Catalan, who ended a decade-long, trophy-laden spell at City in May, informed the FIGC he intends to continue with his plan to take a break from the game, according to BBC Sport. Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Guardiola told officials: “Thank you, I’m honoured, but at this moment, I don’t feel it.”
“Pep Guardiola rejects Italy job citing need for break and doubts over international management; Andrea Pirlo now frontrunner.”
The decision deals a blow to Italy, who have failed to qualify for three successive World Cups, most recently losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs in March. The FIGC had made Guardiola a priority target, with president Giovanni Malago earlier hinting that “exceptions” could be made for his salary. “There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it’s an understatement to say we’d have to grit our teeth for this,” Malago told Italian media.
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed the federation had held talks with both Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil manager who signed a contract extension through to the 2030 World Cup in May. “Honestly, today we can’t give news about what’s happening. You’ve identified one of our targets,” Maldini said at a news conference on Thursday. “We can’t hide that we also talked with Carlo Ancelotti before talking with Pep. Honestly, it seemed right to start with the best in the world, to see their general availability.”
Ancelotti, the only coach to have won the Champions League five times, has agreed to stay in post with Brazil. That leaves former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, as the frontrunner to take charge of the Azzurri, according to BBC Sport. Pirlo would be tasked with navigating Italy through a Nations League group including France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn, and then attempting to qualify for Euro 2028.
Guardiola, who won 17 major trophies in 10 seasons at City including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, is said to have doubts over whether international football would suit him. He is reportedly keen for a break after intense spells at City and Bayern Munich since his sabbatical 13 years ago. The English FA, with current manager Thomas Tuchel still in post despite a World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, may be watching the situation closely given a long-term interest in Guardiola.