India, July 24 -- Former Barcelona and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has turned down an offer to become Italy's next national team coach. The Spaniard left Manchester City at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable decade-long spell during which he transformed the club into the dominant force in English football. Italy, meanwhile, have been on the lookout for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for a third successive FIFA World Cup.

Despite discussions with the Italian Football Federation, Guardiola chose to stick to his original plan to take a break from management after stepping down as Manchester City boss. He has opted for...