Pep Guardiola intends to take at least a year off from football, despite being approached to manage the vacant Italy coaching position. A source confirmed to ESPN that talks with Italy were a nonstarter due to the Catalan coach's desire to prioritize his personal life after a decade at Manchester City.

Italy was one of four nations to have contacted Guardiola since his departure from City. While he has turned down the immediate offer, he remains open to international management upon his return to the game. Several other countries have also expressed interest, with the Netherlands and England previously linked.

Italy's new technical director, Paolo Maldini, revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) also approached Carlo Ancelotti, who is under contract with Brazil until 2030. The FIGC has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned after a World Cup playoff loss in April.