Guardiola turns down Italy role as search for coach continues

Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach Italy, while the search for the Azzurri’s next national team manager continues. Reuters reported on July 24 that the 55-year-old Spaniard declined talks with the Italian federation (FIGC) after discussions that involved FIGC president Giovanni Malago, who suggested financial flexibility for a coach of Guardiola’s stature. Italy has been looking for a successor since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. FIGC also sounded out Carlo Ancelotti before meeting Guardiola, with Paolo Maldini describing the talks. With Guardiola out of contention, Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini have been cited as alternatives. The decision comes amid a broader Italian football rebuilding push.