Pep Guardiola is expected to reject Italy’s offer to become the national team’s next head coach after the two sides reportedly failed to agree on financial terms.
According to the Daily Mail on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is prepared to make an exceptional financial commitment to appoint the former Manchester City manager, who has been out of coaching since ending his trophy-laden decade at the club.
Italy are seeking a new manager following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
The report claims Guardiola is seeking an annual salary of about €20 million (£17 million), while the FIGC’s latest offer is approximately €10 million (£8.5 million). Talks, including a meeting in Barcelona with FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo, have reportedly failed to bridge the gap.
Beyond salary, Guardiola is said to be reluctant to return to management so soon and has reportedly promised his family they would settle in Barcelona. If negotiations collapse, Roberto Mancini, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte are reportedly among Italy’s alternative candidates.
