Pep Guardiola has rejected the chance to coach Italy, opting instead to continue his planned break from football, as the Italian federation scrambles to find a new manager after a third consecutive World Cup failure.
The former Manchester City coach, who left the club in May after winning 17 major trophies in 10 seasons, was approached by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) earlier this week. FIGC president Giovanni Malago had said talks were held and that 'exceptions' could be made for his salary. But on Thursday, Guardiola informed the FIGC he intends to rest, spend time with his family and travel.
“Pep Guardiola rejects Italy manager job; Andrea Pirlo frontrunner as Italy seeks new coach.”
It leaves former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, as the frontrunner to navigate Italy through a Nations League group including France, Belgium and Turkey and then attempt to qualify for Euro 2028.
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed the approach, saying: 'Honestly, today we can't give news about what's happening. You've identified one of our targets. We can't hide that we also talked with Carlo Ancelotti before talking with Pep.' Ancelotti, currently in charge of Brazil, has agreed to stay in post.
Guardiola's departure has set in motion a reshuffle at Manchester City, where new manager Enzo Maresca is now in charge. Maresca has already faced questions about the future of Jack Grealish, the £100m winger who spent last season on loan at Everton after falling out of favour under Guardiola. Grealish's loan was cut short by a stress fracture in his foot, but he is now back at City. Maresca said: 'At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player. It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here.' Everton are understood to be keen to bring Grealish back once fit.
Meanwhile, Leeds United are in talks to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from City. The England international could leave just a year after returning from Burnley, with City having signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain in September, limiting Trafford's playing time. Newcastle and Aston Villa had also shown interest, but Villa now expect Emi Martinez to stay. Leeds are looking for a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road this summer.
For Italy, the search for a new coach continues. Maldini and special advisor Leonardo spent three days in Barcelona to speak with Guardiola. 'The best thing would be to announce the new coach this week, but even more to wait for the person we really want,' Maldini said. 'So there's urgency, but not so much inside us.'