Pep Guardiola, Former Manchester City manager, has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become the head coach of the Italian national team due to family considerations.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had opened discussions with the Spanish tactician following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
FIGC president Giovanni Malago had earlier confirmed that talks were held with Guardiola, describing him as one of the high-profile candidates being considered for the vacant position.
However, reports from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport indicated that Guardiola has rejected the offer, with sources close to the coach telling ESPN that taking over the Italy job immediately was unlikely.
The 55-year-old, who ended his decade-long tenure at Manchester City at the conclusion of last season, is said to be prioritising his personal life after a highly successful spell that delivered six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
Guardiola, who previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is reportedly interested in taking some time away from football before considering his next managerial challenge.
Sources close to the Catalan coach said he remains open to a future move into international football when he returns to management, adding that several national teams have already expressed interest in his availability.
The Italy job became vacant after Gattuso stepped down following the national team’s failure to secure qualification for the World Cup, extending the country’s absence from football’s biggest tournament after also missing the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Other candidates linked with the position include former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who guided the team to victory at the 2020 European Championship, and ex-Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Malago had earlier suggested that financial considerations would not necessarily prevent Italy from pursuing Guardiola, saying salary “exceptions” could be considered for the former Manchester City boss.
However, he cautioned that securing Guardiola’s appointment was far from guaranteed.
Asked whether Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo were the only names being considered, Malago said: “Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.”
The Italian federation is expected to continue its search for a coach capable of rebuilding the national team ahead of future international competitions.
