Guardiola turns down Italy manager job

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Pep Guardiola has rejected an approach to become manager of Italy, choosing instead to continue with his planned break from football after leaving Manchester City this summer. The report says Guardiola departed City in May following a 10-year spell in which he won 17 major trophies.

The Italian Football Federation had explored a high-profile appointment after first sounding out Carlo Ancelotti, according to FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini. Ancelotti, now managing Brazil, has decided to remain in that role. BBC Sport also cites FIGC president Giovanni Malago as saying earlier in the week that discussions had taken place with Guardiola and that special arrangements could have been considered around pay.

The article says Italy were prepared to offer Guardiola significant control over the role, alongside a substantial salary, in an attempt to attract one of the game’s most decorated coaches. Guardiola is reported to have taken time to weigh the option before telling the federation he would not change his plan to rest, travel and spend more time with family.

With Guardiola and Ancelotti unavailable, BBC Sport says Andrea Pirlo is now the leading candidate. The former Italy midfielder, currently coaching United FC in Dubai, would inherit the task of preparing Italy for a Nations League group featuring France, Belgium and Turkey, before attempting to guide the national team toward Euro 2028 qualification.