Pep Guardiola Rejects Offer to Coach Italian National Team
Quick Look
- Pep Guardiola has declined the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) offer to coach the Italian national team, choosing instead to take a break from the game.
- This decision follows previous talks with FIGC president Giovanni Malago.
- Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is now considered the frontrunner for the coaching position.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Italian national side has failed to qualify for three World Cups in a row, leading the FIGC to seek a high-profile coach like Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side.
Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and that "exceptions" could be made for his salary.
On Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.
Ancelotti has agreed to stay in post and now Guardiola has informed the FIGC he intends to continue with his plan to take a break from the game, which will allow him to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.
In addition to a huge salary, the FIGC is understood to have effectively told Guardiola he could shape the job as he saw fit, as they tried to tempt one of the most successful coaches in the game to take charge of a side that has failed to qualify for three World Cups in a row.
However, after taking some time to consider the situation, he has said no.
It means former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is the frontrunner to be tasked with navigating Italy through a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn and then try to qualify for Euro 2028.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Andrea Pirlo will be appointed as the head coach of the Italian national team.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Who will ultimately be appointed as Italy's national team coach?
- How will the chosen coach navigate upcoming Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifiers?
