Maldini: Guardiola Nearly Accepted Italy Role Before Taking Break

WHO:

Daily Mail Sports - Pep Guardiola was the manager of Manchester City.

Goal.com - Paolo Maldini was the sporting director of the Italian Football Federation.

Goal.com - Andrea Pirlo was considered for the Italy national team coach position.

WHAT:

Daily Mail Sports - Guardiola was approached to take over the under-performing Italian national team.

Goal.com - Maldini confirmed that Guardiola was very close to taking charge of the Azzurri.

Goal.com - Guardiola began "writing out line-ups" during negotiations.

Goal.com - Guardiola expressed willingness to accept a salary "one euro less than what the last coach was earning."

Goal.com - Maldini submitted his resignation due to a lack of trust with the federation president, Malagò.

Goal.com - Maldini considered Pirlo as the best option for the national team after Guardiola was ruled out.

WHERE:

Goal.com - The discussions regarding the coaching position took place within the Italian Football Federation.

WHY:

Goal.com - Guardiola declined the Italy job due to exhaustion after ten years in the Premier League and following back surgery.

Goal.com - Maldini aimed to push Italian football towards a genuine rebuilding process.

HOW:

Goal.com - Maldini and Guardiola studied player lists starting from the under-17 team and above during their discussions.

Goal.com - Maldini defended his stance during disputes, stating, "If defending my job and taking on my responsibilities means I am hardline, then I am hardline."

Pep Guardiola was approached to take over the struggling Italian national team, with Paolo Maldini confirming that Guardiola was very close to taking charge. During negotiations, Guardiola began drafting line-ups and even expressed his willingness to accept a salary just one euro less than the previous coach's earnings. However, after declining the job due to exhaustion from his time in the Premier League and following back surgery, Maldini considered Andrea Pirlo as the best option for the national team moving forward.