CT Italia: Deal Officially Off; Pep Guardiola Explains His “No,” and Paolo Maldini’s Plan B Kicks In

On Friday, Pep Guardiola gave his final answer to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo: the former Manchester City coach has decided not to accept the offer from the Italian Football Federation and therefore will not be taking the helm of the national team. The “no” came after days of discussions, meetings, deliberations, and a proposal that had made the Catalan coach waver.

Guardiola, excited and honored by the idea of leading the Azzurri, had asked for time to think it over, but in his heart the decision had already been made: he will, in fact, take a sabbatical year—his first since the 2012–2013 season, which was followed by three years at Bayern Munich and ten at Manchester City. Pep will thus keep his promise to step back, rest, and devote himself to his family.

The Federation tried until the very end: President Giovanni Malagò, Technical Director Paolo Maldini, and advisor Leonardo had put together an ambitious offer, featuring a top-tier staff designed to lighten the daily workload and allow Guardiola to work with less pressure than the fast-paced club environment. However, his desire to step away was too strong, and Guardiola was keen to specify that his decision to reject the Italian Federation’s offer had nothing to do with financial considerations.

Maldini and Leonardo have already identified an alternative: Andrea Pirlo. The 2006 World Cup champion, now head coach of United FC in Dubai, is the two executives’ top choice, considered ideal for a medium- to long-term rebuilding project. An early termination of his contract with the Emirati club will be required, but that would be a mere formality. The other two alternatives, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, have not received any calls in recent hours—further evidence that the decision is all but made, barring any dramatic twists.