Pep Guardiola has turned down the Italian Soccer Federation's (FIGC) offer for him to become Italy's new coach, ANSA sources said on Friday.
    Guardiola told FIGC Technical Director Paolo Maldini that he was tempted by the offer, but wanted to take some time out from football to focus on his family after 10 glorious years in charge of Manchester City, the sources said.
    FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed reports that the federation had approached Guardiola about taking on the role earlier this week.
    Maldini added on Thursday that the federation had also looked up Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti and stressed that he was not in a rush to appoint a new coach for the national team.
    "Ideally, it would be this week, but, above all, we need to wait for the person we really want," Maldini said after he, Malagò and FIGC consultant Leonardo had a meeting with Serie A clubs in Milan.
    "There's a sense of urgency, but there's no rush.
    "The feeling is of great pressure.

We have an ambitious project and it's like a call to arms.

We can't comment on Guardiola, but I can say that we spoke with Ancelotti.
    "It was the right thing to do to start with the best in the world and check on their general availability".
    The position has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following Italy's failure to qualify for this year's World Cup, meaning the Azzurri missed out on the tournament for the third consecutive time.
   

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