Pep Guardiola turns down Italy national team approach

Italy’s search for a new national team head coach will continue after Pep Guardiola decided against taking over the Azzurri, despite talks with the Italian federation.

The vacancy follows a damaging period for Italy after their defeat in the World Cup qualifying play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina. It marked the third straight time the national side failed to qualify for the tournament, a setback that led to Gennaro Gattuso leaving his position.

Guardiola says no to Italy

Guardiola had emerged as one of the standout names linked with the role as the Italian Football Federation explored both domestic and foreign options. Paolo Maldini, working as a director within the federation, was reported to be involved in the process.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Guardiola considered the proposal this week but ultimately chose not to return to coaching at this stage. Romano reported that the former Manchester City manager wants to spend time with his family, recover and come back to football later.

That decision ends one of the most eye-catching possibilities in Italy’s search and leaves the federation looking elsewhere at a significant moment for the national team.

Why Guardiola was available

Guardiola recently brought to an end his 10-year spell in charge of Manchester City after the conclusion of last season. During that period, he won 20 trophies, including six English league titles and the Champions League.

After such a long stretch in elite club management, the Catalan coach had already decided to step away from the day-to-day demands of the job for a period. Italy still pushed ahead with negotiations, but his preference for a break has now proved decisive.

Italy’s shortlist remains open

From the outset, familiar Italian names such as Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte were mentioned among the possible candidates. Guardiola’s rejection now increases the pressure on the federation to move quickly as the next international window approaches.

There have also been reports in Brazilian media that Carlo Ancelotti rejected an approach from Maldini. If so, that would represent another setback in the process of appointing a successor.

• Italy are looking for a new head coach after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.
• Pep Guardiola held talks but decided not to take the job.
• Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have been mentioned as candidates.
• Italy face Belgium and Turkey in the Nations League in September, before meeting France in October.

Time pressure before Nations League fixtures

Italy do not have long to settle on a new appointment. The Azzurri are due to play Belgium and Turkey in the Nations League in September, followed by a meeting with France in October.

Those fixtures mean the federation must now accelerate its plans after missing out on Guardiola. For Italy, the challenge is no longer only about finding a high-profile coach, but about restoring direction after another major disappointment on the international stage.