Pep Guardiola makes final decision on Italy job offer

Pep Guardiola will not become the new head coach of the Italy national team following discussions with technical director Paolo Maldini.

Newly appointed technical director Maldini has held talks with Guardiola over the possibilities of having him as Italy new head coach. However, the former Manchester City manager has officially turned down the offer from Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Guardiola gave serious consideration to the proposal after choosing to step down from City following a decorated ten-year tenure.

Ultimately, the Spaniard resolved to honour his initial plan of taking a sabbatical from management to spend quality time with his family.

Beyond his desire for a break, Guardiola harboured doubts over the nature of international management, which relies heavily on remote scouting rather than daily pitch-side activity.

He reiterated his professional ethos of demanding total commitment in every role, while acknowledging his close relationship and deep respect for Maldini, who presented him with a long-term project.

As quoted by Gazzetta, the 55-year-old stated: “Thank you, I am honoured, but at this moment I don’t feel up to it.”

Maldini, alongside advisor Leonardo, had pitched an ambitious eight-to-ten-year project aimed at rebuilding the foundations of Italian football.

With Guardiola now focused on his private life, Gazzetta reports that Italian legend Andrea Pirlo has now emerged as the primary candidate.

Pirlo is deemed ideal to introduce a fresh tactical framework for Azzurri. With the Nations League campaign set to kicks off in eight weeks’ time, FIGC must act swiftly to finalise Pirlo’s appointment.

The legendary midfielder will be tasked to establish a distinct tactical identity ahead of Euro 2028 qualification and the 2030 World Cup.