Pep Guardiola has formally turned down the opportunity to become Italy’s next national team manager despite the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) making him its leading candidate to rebuild the Azzurri after another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.The former Manchester City manager, who left the Premier League champions after a trophy-laden decade this summer, was approached by the FIGC following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup. Although federation officials made an extensive effort to convince Guardiola to take charge, the Spaniard has instead decided to continue with his previously announced break from football.According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola thanked the federation for its confidence before politely declining the offer, telling officials: “I feel honoured, but at this moment it doesn’t feel right.”
Italy made Guardiola its priority
Italy have been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following another failed World Cup qualifying campaign, extending one of the darkest periods in the country’s modern football history.As previously reported, the federation initially explored the possibility of appointing Carlo Ancelotti before turning its attention to Guardiola.FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini later confirmed that Ancelotti was the federation’s first choice.“We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep,” Maldini said during a news conference.“Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world.”However, Ancelotti remained committed to Brazil after extending his contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, forcing Italy to pursue Guardiola instead.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference at the Emirates Stadium, London, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (John Walton/PA via AP)
According to multiple Italian reports, Maldini and his advisor Leonardo held discussions with Guardiola over three days, presenting their long-term vision for restoring the national team to Europe’s elite.The federation was reportedly even prepared to stretch its financial limits to secure one of football’s most decorated managers, with FIGC president Giovanni Malagò previously revealing that “exceptions” could be made regarding Guardiola’s salary.BBC Sport also reported that Italy were prepared to allow Guardiola significant freedom in shaping the project, effectively giving him considerable influence over the federation’s footballing direction.
Guardiola sticks to long-term plan
Despite the ambitious proposal, Guardiola ultimately chose to remain faithful to the decision he announced before leaving Manchester City.The 55-year-old intends to spend time away from coaching, allowing himself the opportunity to rest, travel and spend more time with his family after nearly two uninterrupted decades in elite management.Speaking to Sky Sports a year before departing Manchester City, Guardiola had already indicated that a lengthy break was inevitable once his spell at the Etihad came to an end.“No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while,” Guardiola said during his final Manchester City press conference.“I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title. I know myself, I have that energy, but I feel like I will not have it.”In an earlier exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola also explained that his decision extended beyond football.“There are things that I have not done that I want to do. I still have my father alive. I want to spend more time with him. My kids… And a lot of things as a human being I can do. I’m fortunate I can decide, that’s why I took this decision.”
Italy now turns to Plan B
With both Ancelotti and Guardiola now unavailable, Italy’s attention has shifted elsewhere.According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, former World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the federation’s preferred candidate and is expected to terminate his contract with Dubai-based United FC before finalising an agreement with the national team.The newspaper reports that Maldini and Leonardo believe Pirlo represents the right long-term figure to modernise Italian football and build a new identity rather than simply oversee the senior national side.The urgency surrounding the appointment is heightened by Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins in approximately eight weeks and includes fixtures against France, Belgium and Turkey, before attention turns toward qualification for UEFA Euro 2028 and ultimately the 2030 FIFA World Cup.Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have also been linked with the vacancy.
Rebuilding after unprecedented decline
The search for a new coach comes during one of the most difficult periods in Italian football history.The four-time world champions have now failed to qualify for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, despite lifting the UEFA European Championship under Roberto Mancini in 2021.Following the latest setback, the FIGC initiated a major restructuring by appointing Paolo Maldini and Leonardo to senior technical roles as the federation attempts to restore Italy’s standing among world football’s elite.
