Spanish Pep Guardiola, former manager of Manchester City and Barcelona, has rejected an offer to take charge of the Italian national team, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters on Friday, confirming earlier reports.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) entered into talks with Guardiola (55) to replace Gennaro Gattuso, after its president, Giovanni Malagò, signaled a willingness to show financial flexibility to secure a coach of his caliber.

The Italian national team has been searching for a new manager since Gattuso's departure last April, following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Paolo Maldini, technical director of the FIGC, had clarified on Thursday that the federation also inquired about the possibility of hiring Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazil national team, before opening negotiations with Guardiola.

Guardiola ended his tenure with Manchester City at the end of last season after 10 successful years, during which he led the team to numerous titles, most notably six Premier League trophies, including four in a row, as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.

Before his stint with City, the Spanish coach achieved great success with Barcelona, winning the Champions League twice and three La Liga titles, and also won three Bundesliga titles during his time at Bayern Munich.