The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced a few days ago that it was prepared to make salary exceptions to appoint Pep Guardiola as head coach.

However, comments by the federation's technical director, Paolo Maldini, on Thursday, July 23, revealed that the former Manchester City manager remains committed to taking a sabbatical from coaching.

According to Maldini, the federation was willing to allow Guardiola to rebuild the national team in his own way and offered him a lucrative financial package as Italy sought to convince one of football's most decorated managers to lead the Azzurri's revival.

However, Guardiola has opted to spend time with his family and travel, turning down the opportunity to take charge of the four-time world champions.

Italy are now searching for a new direction after failing to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups.

With Guardiola out of the picture, former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the leading candidate for the position.

In addition to Guardiola, former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was also approached. However, he declined the offer, choosing instead to remain in charge of Brazil, prompting Italy to intensify its search for a new head coach.

Pirlo, who is currently in charge of Dubai-based United FC, is expected to be among the leading contenders for the role as the Azzurri prepare for a UEFA Nations League campaign against France, Belgium and Turkey before turning their attention to qualifying for UEFA Euro 2028.

The four-time world champions have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in the past three editions, including the 2026 tournament. The team's coach, Gennaro Gattuso, stepped down after the World Cup.

Pep Guardiola played in the Italian Serie A for Brescia during his playing career.

About Pep Guardiola and his managerial journey, achievements

Pep Guardiola began his managerial career at Barcelona in 2008 after being promoted from the B team. In just four years, he won 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles in 2009 and 2011. His crowning achievement was the historic treble in 2009, when Barcelona claimed La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Guardiola’s tiki-taka philosophy, built around Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and Messi, transformed the game and set new standards for possession-based football.

After about a 4-year break, Guardiola took charge of Bayern Munich in 2013. Over three seasons, he won three consecutive Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, and added a UEFA Super Cup.

In 2016, Guardiola moved to Manchester City, where he stayed for a decade. He guided City to six Premier League titles, five League Cups, and three FA Cups. His greatest triumph came in 2023 when he led City to their first-ever Champions League title, completing a treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

In May 2026, he parted ways with Man City with 20 trophies to his name

Across his career, Guardiola’s trophy haul includes 14 titles with Barcelona, 7 with Bayern Munich, and 20 with Manchester City, making him the only manager to win trebles with two different clubs.

So far, he has mentored managers like Mikel Arteta, Xavi, and Enzo Maresca, and earned recognition as a three-time World’s Best Club Coach and multiple UEFA Manager of the Year award winner.