Source: Pep turns down Italy, will take year off

Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to become Italy's national team coach, with a source telling ESPN that his intention remains to take at least one year away from football after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season. Italy, one of four nations to have approached Guardiola this summer, had the talks described as a 'nonstarter' given the Catalan's desire to prioritise his personal life after 10 years at City. Guardiola remains open to returning to management in international football in the future, with the Netherlands and England among nations credited with interest, while Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was also approached for the vacant role.