Guardiola Rejects Italy Role as FIGC Turns to Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo emerges as frontrunner to lead national side following World Cup qualification crisis and failed recruitment of Ancelotti and Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has formally declined an offer to become the head coach of the Italian national football team, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future in management. The former Manchester City manager informed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that he intends to take a break from the sport to rest, spend time with his family, and travel.
The rejection follows a period of intense negotiation in which the FIGC demonstrated significant flexibility to secure Guardiola’s services. Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed earlier this week that discussions had taken place, noting that the federation was prepared to make exceptions regarding salary and allow Guardiola to shape the job description as he saw fit.
Guardiola’s decision comes after a decade-long tenure at Manchester City, which concluded in May. During his time at the club, he secured 17 major trophies, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in modern football. Despite the allure of leading a national side, he has opted for a hiatus from the game.
The FIGC’s recruitment efforts had previously targeted Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently the manager of Brazil. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that Italy approached their former player first, but Ancelotti agreed to remain in his post with the South American side. With both Ancelotti and Guardiola unavailable, the federation is now looking elsewhere to address the leadership vacuum.
Andrea Pirlo, the former Italy playmaker and current head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is now considered the frontrunner for the position. He is expected to be tasked with navigating the national team through an upcoming Nations League group featuring France, Belgium, and Turkey this autumn, as well as the qualification campaign for Euro 2028.
The search for a new manager was triggered by Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, a crisis that has already resulted in significant leadership turnover within the FIGC. The federation’s willingness to offer exceptional terms to Guardiola underscored the urgency of the situation, but the ultimate decision rests with Pirlo to steer the team through its current challenges.
