Pep Guardiola turns down Italy job: "I am honoured, but I don't feel ready"

Pep Guardiola will not become Italy's next head coach. The Spaniard has informed Paolo Maldini and Leonardo that he has decided not to accept the role, despite the FIGC's sustained efforts to persuade him to take charge of the Azzurri.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola delivered his final decision overnight, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over his future.

"Thank you. I am honoured, but I don't feel ready at this moment."

As Maldini made clear on Thursday, financial terms were never the stumbling block. Guardiola is keen to take a break from management and remained unconvinced despite the federation's willingness to build a coaching structure that would have allowed him to manage Italy while continuing to live in Barcelona with his family.

In the end, the former Manchester City manager decided that the time was simply not right.

Although the FIGC have yet to make an official announcement, Guardiola's decision effectively brings the federation's pursuit of one of world football's most decorated coaches to an end.

Pirlo now emerges as leading candidate

Attention is now expected to turn to Andrea Pirlo, who is understood to be the leading alternative.

According to the report, Maldini and Leonardo believe the former Italy midfielder is the right man to begin the Azzurri's next chapter.