Pep Guardiola intends to take “at least one year” off from coaching, despite receiving inquiries about the vacant Italy national team position, according to a source speaking to ESPN.
Earlier this week, ESPN reported that Italy was among four countries that reached out to Guardiola following his departure from Manchester City at the conclusion of last season.
On Friday, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Guardiola has declined the offer.
A source close to Guardiola confirmed to ESPN that discussions regarding the immediate coaching role for Italy were off the table, as the Catalan coach is focused on taking personal time after a decade at City.
When he decides to return to coaching, the source indicated, Guardiola would be open to opportunities in international football, as several other nations have also expressed interest in him this summer.
While the source could not specify which countries had approached him, it has been noted that the Netherlands and England have previously shown interest in hiring Guardiola.
Italy’s new technical director, Paolo Maldini, disclosed this week that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) also reached out to current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti regarding the vacant position.
Ancelotti has a contract with Brazil that extends until 2030 and is expected to remain in his role after their World Cup exit in the round of 16 against Norway.
In addition to Mancini, who led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 victory, other names in the mix include 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte.
The FIGC has been on the lookout for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned following April’s World Cup playoff defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Information from ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti contributed to this report.