Guardiola rejects Italy role as FIGC coaching search falters
Pep Guardiola has rejected the Italian national team job, leaving the country's football federation to settle for less proven candidates as it attempts to recover from a prolonged period of international failure.
Pep Guardiola has informed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that he will not become the next head coach of the national team. The former Manchester City manager, who stepped down this summer after a decade in English football, has opted to take a break from the game to rest and spend time with his family.
The rejection is a setback for the FIGC, which had gone to considerable lengths to secure his services. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed earlier this week that talks had taken place, noting that "exceptions" could be made regarding Guardiola's salary. The federation had also reportedly offered him complete autonomy to shape the role as he saw fit.
This aggressive financial and structural pursuit underscores the institutional pressure within the FIGC. The national side has now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. Sustained absence from the tournament carries significant financial implications for the federation and diminishes the commercial appeal of Italian football.
Guardiola was not the federation's first choice for this rebuild. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini disclosed on Thursday that the organisation initially approached Carlo Ancelotti, a former Italy player who currently manages Brazil. Ancelotti has committed to remaining in his current post, forcing the FIGC to pivot to alternative candidates.
With their primary targets unavailable, the FIGC must now look down its list of candidates. Andrea Pirlo, the former Italy playmaker currently coaching United FC in Dubai, has emerged as the frontrunner to take the helm. He would immediately face a demanding competitive calendar that will test the depth of the squad.
Italy must navigate a challenging Nations League group this autumn that includes France and Belgium, alongside Turkey. Following that, the new coach will be tasked with ensuring the team qualifies for Euro 2028. Securing a place at that tournament is a necessity for a federation desperate to halt its decline.
