Ancelotti declines, Guardiola courted as Italy still seek head coach, Mancini and Pirlo wait | OneFootball

Italy are still searching for a head coach, with Pep Guardiola courted and a decision due in the coming days, according to L'Équipe.

New FIGC president Giovanni Malago and freshly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini are leading the overhaul, advised by Leonardo. The shake-up has yet to fully take off.

Maldini and his team met the former City manager in Barcelona last week. Arriving at the Italian League assembly on Thursday, he offered no update, but accepted Guardiola is a target and said they had sounded out the top names first.

Under contract with Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has declined. Guardiola would have to accept a sharp pay cut from the €23m a year he earned at City, yet Maldini indicated money is not the issue, but lifestyle, with the Catalan repeatedly saying he wants time with family in Barcelona.

If Guardiola says no, Maldini favours Andrea Pirlo as the face of change. Some at the FIGC are unconvinced given Pirlo’s modest start in coaching.

Malago is close to Roberto Mancini, and some have not forgiven his 2023 exit to Saudi Arabia. Clubs are pushing for Antonio Conte, who is not Maldini’s preferred profile. The saga continues.

Source: L'Équipe