Guardiola turned down the chance to take charge of Italy, despite the country’s football federation being willing to make financial “exceptions” to lure him back into management, The Telegraph reports.
FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed talks had taken place with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after a decade in charge, but the Spaniard has told the federation he intends to stick with his plan to take a break from the game.
FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini revealed Italy had first approached Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before turning to Guardiola. “We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep,” Maldini said.
“Frankly, it seemed right to start with those we considered the best in the world.”
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Ancelotti extended his contract with Brazil through to the next World Cup in May and will remain in charge despite this summer’s exit to Norway.
Guardiola departed City having won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League across his ten year spell, and has previously been linked with a future role at England or Brazil once his sabbatical ends.
Italy have been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, following the country’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Former City boss Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to European Championship glory in 2021, and Andrea Pirlo remain among the other candidates being considered for the role.
Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
