Italian football is again without a head coach. Pep Guardiola turned down the Italy job after talks with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.
Why the no
The federation was ready to stretch the budget. But after a decade at City, Pep wants a pause and family time. An eight-to-ten-year Azzurro project does not fit him now.
What next
Andrea Pirlo is the next expected contact, with Mancini and Conte nearby. Italy missed a third straight World Cup and opens the Nations League on Sept 25 against Belgium.
