Guardiola turns down Italy coaching role as search for Gattuso's successor continues
Rome, July 24
Legendary football manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to take over the Italy men's national team as head coach, reported Sky Sports.
Guardiola, who recently left English football giants Manchester City after a decade-long illustrious stint with the club, including a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in the 2022/23 season, responded to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday night, with his decision reportedly due to personal reasons beyond football.
The FIGC had a meeting with Guardiola and tried to convince him to succeed Gennaro Gattuso as national team head coach after a hat-trick of failures to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Italy failed to qualify in 2018, 2022 and this year, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italian technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo held meetings with Guardiola over three days, explaining their vision of the national team going forward ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In their discussions with the former Manchester City boss, Maldini and Leonardo presented an idea that went beyond offering him a simple coaching role, making him a central figure of the 'Azzurro Project', which is aimed at rebuilding Italian football on solid foundations, after they failed to qualify for an expanded, 48-team WC this summer.
The 'Azzurro Project' would have involved a complete overhaul of the entire national side across all levels, not just the men's national team. The alternative candidates for the coaching role are reported to be Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. Under Mancini, Italy won the European Championships held in 2021.
Guardiola won 20 trophies during his time with Manchester City, with a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. Maldini and Leonardo were brought in by the FIGC as part of a personnel shake-up following the team's failure to make it to the 2026 FIFA WC.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Shame Pep turned it down. Italy missing three World Cups is embarrassing for a footballing powerhouse. The 'Azzurro Project' needed his tactical mind more than Mancini or Pirlo could ever provide. But credit to Pep for prioritizing personal reasons over money and fame.
Honestly, as an Indian football fan, I'm sad to see Italy struggle. They gave us so many beautiful memories — Maldini, Totti, Cannavaro. Guardiola choosing not to come just shows how big a task rebuilding is. Mancini already won the Euros, maybe give him another chance? 🤔
Failing to qualify for 48-team World Cup is a huge red flag for any nation. Guardiola walking away suggests even he wasn't confident to fix this mess. Italy needs grassroots development, not just a big name coach. Respect to Maldini for trying though.
I was hoping Pep would bring his tiki-taka magic to the Azzurri! 😢 But personal reasons come first. Pirlo or Mancini? I'd go with Mancini — he knows how to win tournaments, even if his team is down. Italy will bounce back, they always do!
Guardiola's decision is understandable — he might be eyeing a break after the intense City years. But Italy should consider someone like Roberto De Zerbi now, who understands both Italian roots and modern football. The 'Azzurro Project' sounds ambitious but needs a coach who is fully committed.