Pep Guardiola has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become the new head coach of the Italian national team. According to Sky in Italy, the decision was made for personal reasons unrelated to football. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which had met with Guardiola over three days, was keen to have him succeed Gennaro Gattuso and was prepared to adjust its budget significantly.

Instead, Andrea Pirlo is now expected to finalize his agreement to take over the role, terminating his contract with Dubai-based United FC. The FIGC had also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, but he is committed to the Brazil national team. The federation's pursuit of Guardiola was part of a larger effort to rebuild Italian football following their failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Guardiola, who recently ended his decade-long tenure at Manchester City, had previously indicated a desire to take a break from football to spend more time with his family. He expressed that he would not coach for a while after leaving City, needing to step back and recharge.