Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to become the next head coach of the Italy national team after considering an approach from the Italian Football Federation.
The Spaniard evaluated the proposal this week but has decided that the time is right to step away from management, focus on his family and recharge before returning to football in the future.
Softfootball previously reported that Guardiola had emerged as the Italian federation’s preferred candidate, with senior officials identifying him as the ideal coach to lead the Azzurri into a new era.
While Guardiola’s salary was initially viewed as a major challenge, the federation believed his experience, tactical brilliance and winning pedigree justified the investment.
Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, having enjoyed extraordinary success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Despite Italy’s efforts to convince him, Guardiola has now opted against taking the role, leaving the federation to continue its search for a new national team manager.
