Pep Guardiola Declines Italy National Team Job Report

Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager who left the club in May after a decade in charge, has reportedly turned down an opportunity to become Italy’s national team head coach, according to a report from The Athletic cited by Yahoo Sports.

Guardiola was in talks with members of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), including technical director Paolo Maldini and federation president Giovanni Malago. Those discussions have stagnated, and the 55-year-old Catalan coach has now declined the role.

The news comes as Guardiola continues to search for his next position in football, with no official announcement yet about his future plans.

Guardiola declines Italy approach

The FIGC had identified Guardiola as a potential successor to lead the Azzurri after their recent struggles to qualify for major tournaments. Maldini and Malago confirmed that discussions took place, but a deal could not be reached. The Athletic reported that the talks ultimately led nowhere, with Guardiola deciding to pass on the opportunity.

Italy’s next head coach remains unknown. The federation may now turn to other candidates, though no names have been publicly linked so far.

Guardiola’s Manchester City legacy

Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025–26 season after a highly successful 10-year tenure. His record at City stands at 416 wins, 87 draws and 90 losses across all competitions. He guided the club to six Premier League titles, cementing his status as one of the most decorated managers in modern football.

During his time at the Etihad, Guardiola also won the UEFA Champions League in 2023, along with multiple FA Cups and League Cups. His departure was widely expected as his contract expired and no renewal was announced.

Italy’s search for a new coach

Italy has been without a permanent head coach since Luciano Spalletti stepped down following the 2024 European Championship, where the Azzurri were eliminated in the round of 16. Since then, interim appointments have failed to produce a clear direction.

The FIGC’s approach to Guardiola signaled ambition, but his refusal leaves Italy in search of a high-profile replacement capable of rebuilding a squad that missed the 2022 World Cup and struggled in recent Nations League campaigns.

What comes next for Guardiola

With the Italy chapter closed, speculation about Guardiola’s next destination is likely to intensify. Possible options include a return to club football in Europe or a move to a national team project elsewhere. No credible reports have emerged linking him to a specific role.

Guardiola has been linked with potential openings in the Premier League and other top European leagues, but no confirmed talks have been reported. The situation remains fluid and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Key facts
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Guardiola’s last role | Manchester City manager (2016–2026) |
| Italy job offer | Head coach of Italy national team |
| Report source | The Athletic via Yahoo Sports |
| FIGC officials involved | Paolo Maldini, Giovanni Malago |
| Guardiola’s decision | Declined the opportunity |

Source: Yahoo Sports citing The Athletic – https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/breaking-news/article/pep-guardiola-reportedly-declines-opportunity-to-take-over-as-italy-national-team-head-coach-122850533.html

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