Maldini reveals Guardiola was set to become Italy manager before late change of heart

[p]The 55-year-old was given a proposal from the Italian Federation last month as part of their push to secure a big-name replacement for Gennaro Gattuso.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/guardiola-pep/hxNijWrJ/"]Guardiola[/a] is currently without a job after an incredible decade at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a], but in the end, he opted against the offer as he wants to dedicate more time to his family to recharge following his exit from City. [/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/maldini-paolo/YoxUzuYk/"]Maldini[/a] has since resigned from his role as technical director - after just two weeks in the job - due to his opposition over the decision not to hire Andrea Pirlo.[/p][image alt="Paolo Maldini resigned from his role as technical director" id="6f86dc26-27c5-46c4-b846-8657f716bc0e" credit-line="Cinquetti/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia" guid="5e2fefc6-78e1-45ca-a821-14983d9cd27d" original-width="1400" original-height="934" /][p]In the ensuing chaos, Roberto Mancini has come back into the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/italy/hlKvieGH/"]Italy[/a] role, and Maldini claims a little more persuasion could have secured Guardiola's signature.[/p][p]"[b]With Guardiola, we studied the squads, from the U17s upwards. He even started writing the lineups[/b]," he said.[/p][p]"[b]Money was not a factor as Guardiola told us: 'Give me one euro less than the last national team coach was earning and I'm ready[/b]'.[/p][p]"[b]He was tired after 10 exhausting years in the Premier League. He didn't turn down the job because of money[/b]."[/p]