Former Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has turned down an offer from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to lead the national team.

​Operativ Media reports, citing La Gazzetta dello Sport.

​Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, the experienced manager noted that the offer was a great honor, but stated he currently has no intention of taking the job.

​Earlier, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that talks had been held with Guardiola and emphasized that the federation was prepared to exceed its budget to secure him. According to media reports, while the Spanish specialist requested an annual salary of €20 million, the federation stated it could only cover half that amount.

​Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. Following the failure, team head coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned from his post.