Guardiola Turns Down Italy Role as Search for Coach Continues

Pep Guardiola, one of football's most decorated managers, has turned down an offer to become the head coach of the Italian national team, a source close to the discussions confirmed Friday. The Spanish manager, who recently concluded a highly successful decade with Manchester City, was reportedly in talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Giovanni Malago, the FIGC president, had suggested that financial flexibility could be extended for a candidate of Guardiola's caliber. Italy has been in pursuit of a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April, following the team's failure to secure a spot in a third consecutive World Cup. The FIGC had also explored the possibility of hiring Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, before engaging with Guardiola, according to Italian technical director Paolo Maldini.

“

The 55-year-old Spaniard, regarded as one of football's greatest managers, held talks over becoming Italy's head coach, with the country's football federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago suggesting financial flexibility could be shown for a candidate of his stature.

Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City was marked by extraordinary success, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League title. Prior to his time in England, he achieved remarkable success with Barcelona and later with Bayern Munich, winning multiple domestic and international trophies.

“

Italy have been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup.

Italian football is currently navigating one of its most significant crises in decades, exacerbated by early exits from European club competitions and the recent World Cup qualification failure. The appointment of a new national team coach is viewed as a crucial first step in a broader strategy to revamp the country's youth development and talent pathway systems, which have seen a considerable decline despite football's enduring national obsession.

With Guardiola out of contention, the FIGC is now focusing on other potential candidates. Italian media have linked former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo to the role, while Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 2021 title, is also being considered.

“

FIGC also sounded out Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before holding discussions with Guardiola.