Guardiola rejects Italy approach as FIGC search moves on

Pep Guardiola has said no to taking charge of Italy, leaving the Italian Football Federation to continue its search for a new national-team coach. The former Manchester City manager is sticking with his plan to step away from football for rest, family time and travel.

The FIGC had explored a high-profile appointment after Italy’s recent World Cup qualification failures, with president Giovanni Malagò indicating that talks had taken place and that salary flexibility was possible. The source also says Guardiola was offered significant freedom to define the role, but he ultimately chose not to return immediately to management.

Italy had also sounded out Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently leading Brazil, but he has decided to remain in that position. With both elite targets unavailable, Andrea Pirlo is described as the leading candidate, though that status should still be treated as developing rather than settled.

The next appointment will inherit a demanding calendar, including a Nations League group featuring France, Belgium and Turkey, followed by the push toward Euro 2028 qualification. For Italy, the decision now is whether to keep pursuing marquee names or back a coach with deeper domestic symbolism and a longer rebuilding mandate.