Former Manchester city coach Pep Guardiola has reportedly turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side. Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago revealed that talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years.
Malago also said the FIGC was prepared to make "exceptions" regarding Guardiola's salary in an attempt to appoint him. The FIGC is also understood to have told Guardiola that he could shape the role as he saw fit, hoping to convince one of the most successful managers in football to take charge of an Italian side that has failed to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups.
However, per Fabrizio Romano, after taking time to consider the proposal, Pep informed the FIGC that he intends to stick to his original plan of taking a break from football. The Spaniard wants to use the time to rest, spend more time with his family and travel. On Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that Italy had initially approached former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil. However, Ancelotti decided to remain with the Brazilian national team.
Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio not in favour of foreign coach
Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio does not want a foreign coach to lead Italy's national team. Spanish manager Pep Guardiola is a candidate that Italy's Football Federation (FIGC) are considering for the vacant head coach position.
When asked about the FIGC having talks with Guardiola to become national team coach, Buonfiglio told Corriere della Sera, "The vast majority of our Serie A managers are Italian: the national team manager will have to work alongside them. They are talented, professional and a product of our tradition. Why exclude them?”
With both Ancelotti and Guardiola out of contention, former Italy player Andrea Pirlo who is currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, has emerged as the frontrunner for the role. If appointed, Pirlo will be tasked with guiding Italy through a UEFA Nations League group featuring France, Belgium and Turkey before leading their bid to qualify for Euro 2028.
