Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side.
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and that "exceptions" could be made for his salary.
The FIGC had offered Guardiola a huge salary, and the chance to shape the job as he saw fit. However, after taking some time to consider the situation, he has said no.
Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is now the frontrunner to be tasked with navigating Italy through a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn and then try to qualify for Euro 2028.
The Italian national team has struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for three World Cups in a row. This makes Guardiola's decision to reject the job all the more surprising.
Giovanni Malago's comments suggest that the FIGC was willing to make concessions to attract Guardiola. Malago said that "exceptions" could be made for his salary, indicating that the federation was willing to bend its rules to secure his services.
Meanwhile, the FIGC's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that Italy had first approached their former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil. Ancelotti has agreed to stay in post.
This suggests that the FIGC was willing to consider a number of high-profile candidates for the job. However, in the end, it was Guardiola who rejected the opportunity.
It remains to be seen whether Pirlo will be able to lead Italy to success. He will face a tough task in navigating a Nations League group that includes three of the top teams in Europe.
The FIGC's search for a new coach is now likely to focus on Pirlo. The Italian federation will be hoping that he can help to turn around the team's fortunes and lead them to qualification for Euro 2028.
Italy's next match is scheduled for the autumn, when they will face a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey.
Source: BBC Sports