Pep Guardiola ‘turns down’ Italy job as Pirlo emerges as favourite | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has rejected an approach to coach Italy, informing Paolo Maldini and Leonardo he does not want the role for now, according to Sky Sport and La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The search leads learned of his decision overnight from Thursday to Friday. After meeting him in Barcelona days earlier, Guardiola is said to have told them he was honoured but unwilling at present.

Out of work since leaving Manchester City after 10 years, and close to Maldini, he is understood to want a rest rather than commit to an eight to 10 year project involving a deep overhaul of youth scouting.

Maldini later hinted, after a Lega Serie A meeting, that they had also spoken with Carlo Ancelotti before approaching Guardiola, saying it was logical to start with the best then check availability.

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests Andrea Pirlo is now the leading candidate. He coaches United FC in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: L'Équipe