Report: Thiago Motta turned down Italy job, Serie A opposed Baldini candidacy | OneFootball

According to Corriere dello Sport, Thiago Motta was among the candidates sounded out for the Italy job, but declined the proposal, while Serie A clubs vetoed Silvio Baldini’s potential appointment.

Italy are set to appoint Andrea Pirlo as their new head coach, but it’s no secret that the ex-midfielder was not among the leading candidates of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.

Corriere dello Sport: Motta turned down Italy job

The pair held talks with both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, who didn’t make themselves available, and according to Corriere dello Sport, Thiago Motta was also contacted and sounded out.

The report claims that Motta ‘politely declined’ the proposal, prompting Maldini and Leonardo to move forward with Pirlo.

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on ahead of the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli at Allianz Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

U21 Italy coach Baldini temporarily took charge of the Azzurri senior team for June’s friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, but was never a genuine candidate for the permanent Italy head coach role.

According to Corriere dello Sport, his candidacy was opposed by Serie A clubs, which did not appreciate Baldini’s words regarding the leadership of Italian football.

Not long ago, Baldini branded Serie A club presidents “crooks”, accusing them of being trapped by vested interests and the influence of agents.