The future of Pep Guardiola seemed to bring him closer to the Italian national team, but finally the Spanish coach decided not to take on the role of technical director of the ‘Azzurra’. According to specialized Italian media, negotiations will not prosper after the strategist communicated his refusal to the management.
The possibility of seeing the former Manchester City coach leading the Italian team generated expectation in recent days, although the coach’s final decision closed that option, at least in the short term.
Italian press reveals why Guardiola rejected the proposal
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, known for his coverage of Italian football, reported that Guardiola personally communicated his decision to the Italian leaders.
“On the night of Thursday, July 23, Guardiola contacted Paolo Maldini and Leonardo to communicate his final decision. He rejected the offer for strictly personal and family reasons,” the press man stated.
🚨🇮🇹 Pep Guardiola said no to Italy due to personal decision, it’s not about financial proposal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2026
Guardiola will be back at coaching at the right time and when he feels new project is the best one possible; now dedicating time to family.
➕ https://t.co/ngpjEneRN4 pic.twitter.com/eaNawqW8ir
For his part, transfer market specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Guardiola’s decision was not related to the financial aspect. “Pep Guardiola said no to Italy due to a personal decision, it’s not about the financial proposal,” he revealed.
Romano added that the Spanish coach will resume his career when he finds a project he considers ideal: “Guardiola will be back at coaching at the right time and when he feels new project is the best one possible; now dedicating time to family”.
🚨🇮🇹 Pep Guardiola said no to Italy due to personal decision, it’s not about financial proposal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2026
Guardiola will be back at coaching at the right time and when he feels new project is the best one possible; now dedicating time to family.
➕ https://t.co/ngpjEneRN4 pic.twitter.com/eaNawqW8ir
What will be Pep Guardiola’s next destination?
With the refusal to coach Italy, Pep Guardiola’s future is once again open. For now, the coach does not plan to take on a new sporting challenge and will remain away from the sidelines while evaluating what the next step in his career will be.
The decision also obliges the Italian Federation to continue the search for a coach to lead the national team’s next process.
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