Andrea Pirlo will be Italy’s next manager instead of Pep Guardiola.
Various reports in the country claim that Guardiola rejected the role after talks with the national federation’s bosses.
Sky Italia says he cited personal and family reasons for not accepting the offer.
Gazzetta report that he told technical director Paolo Maldini: “Thank you. I am honoured, but at the moment I am not ready for that.”
It was earlier reported that Guardiola was top of a four-man shortlist.
With that list now at three, the other names are Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
All three are currently out of work, and both Mancini and Conte have previously coached Italy.
Speaking before Guardiola’s snub, Maldini also revealed that he and his team spoke to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
He commented: “You’ve identified one of the targets [Guardiola], but we’ve also spoken with Ancelotti.
“It seemed fair to start with the best in the world, but we need to verify their overall availability.
“Ideally, we would appoint the coach this week, but it’s even more desirable to wait for the person we really want. There’s a sense of urgency, but deep down, not that much.
“I feel a great responsibility and pressure; this is an ambitious project. It’s a call to arms; when Italy calls, it’s hard to say no.
“I wasn’t aware of the initial difficulties, but I felt the possibility of making things happen and everyone’s willingness to participate in the renewal.”
Advisor Leonardo added: “Paolo and I have been partners in dreams and ideas for many years now. He received this very strong offer which, as the days went by, became his dream and, therefore, mine as well.”
UPDATE: Italy to name Pirlo
Corriere dello Sport have announced that Pirlo will soon be unveiled as Italy’s next coach ‘barring any late surprises’.
Pirlo won out over Mancini and Conte due to his relationship with Maldini, although his appointment is seen as a high-risk, high-reward gamble.
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