Ancelotti and Guardiola Turn Down Italy Coaching Job

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) finds itself in a genuine bind after two of the world's most prominent coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, both turned down the chance to take charge of the Azzurri, who have been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso's departure by mutual consent in April 2026, following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time, after a penalty-shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-offs. Although the Italian federation held direct talks with Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, he reportedly declined the offer, saying: "Thank you, it's an honour, but at this moment I don't feel up to it," preferring to take a well-deserved break and spend more time with his family. The FIGC also reached out to Carlo Ancelotti, the current Brazil head coach, but he confirmed his full commitment to the Seleção after extending his contract through the end of the 2030 World Cup. With both candidates turning down the role, the Italian federation is now turning to Calcio legend Andrea Pirlo, who has emerged as the frontrunner for the job after being contacted by the federation and offered a four-year contract.