Pep Guardiola is finally removed from the list of candidates for the Italian national team. The great dream of the Italian Football Federation will not come true, as the Catalan coach has confirmed that he has no intention of returning to the bench anytime soon.

In a recent interview, Guardiola said he has chosen to take a break to devote more time to himself and his family. "I want to spend more time with my children. My father is 95 years old and that makes you look at life differently. I love my job, but right now I don't feel the need to go back. Maybe I will coach again in the future, but only when I feel like I miss football," he declared.

With Guardiola's departure, the attention of Italian football leaders is focused on the most realistic candidates to lead the "Azzurri". At the top of the list are Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, with Pirlo considered the favorite at the moment.

The former Italy midfielder enjoys the support of technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, who have valued him for years for both his professional and human qualities. On the other hand, the president of the Federation, Giovanni Malagò, is said to have preferred the return of Roberto Mancini, with whom he maintains a close relationship.

Pirlo is currently in Latvia with United FC Dubai, where he is undergoing training. However, a meeting, even if virtual, could be enough to finalize the deal and bring him back to Coverciano, this time in the role of coach of the Italian national team.

The final decision is expected very soon, while the official announcement of the new coach's name could come as early as the weekend.