Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side.

Earlier this week, 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.

On Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.

Ancelotti has agreed to stay in post and now Guardiola has informed the FIGC he intends to continue with his plan to take a break from the game, which will allow him to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.

In addition to a huge salary, the FIGC is understood to have effectively told Guardiola he could shape the job as he saw fit, as they tried to tempt one of the most successful coaches in the game to take charge of a side that has failed to qualify for three World Cups in a row.

However, after taking some time to consider the situation, he has said no.

It means former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is 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.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Malawi on Sunday in Morocco as they seek a record-extending 11th continental title.

The tournament, originally scheduled for March, will hold from July 26 to Aug. 16, with 16 teams competing for Africa’s women’s football title.

Nigeria, the defending champions and Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, are drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.

The Super Falcons will face Malawi in their opening match on July 27 before taking on Zambia on July 31 and Egypt on Aug. 4.

Coach Justin Madugu has retained a blend of experienced and emerging players for the tournament as Nigeria seeks to maintain its dominance in African women’s football.

Among the key players expected to feature are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

Zambia are widely regarded as Nigeria’s strongest challengers in the group, with reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and striker Racheal Kundananji leading their attack.

Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON tournament.

Egypt return to the competition after missing the last edition, while Malawi will make their debut at the expanded tournament.

Madugu said the team remained focused in spite of Nigeria’s successful record in the competition.

“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” he said.

The tournament also serves as part of the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete for two places in the intercontinental playoffs.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also increased the tournament prize money.

The winners will receive two million dollars, while the total prize fund has been increased to 5.8 million dollars, as each participating country will receive 150,000 dollars.

Host nation Morocco, runners-up at the last edition, are among the favourites for the title under coach Jorge Vilda.

South Africa, champions in 2022, and Ghana, who return after missing the previous edition, are also expected to challenge for honours.

The competition will be played at five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, with the knockout stage scheduled to begin on Aug. 8.

Nigeria has won 10 of the 13 editions of the competition since it was introduced in 1998 and will be aiming to extend that record in Morocco.

(NAN)

Arsenal have signed “extremely versatile attacking player” Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m.

The 24-year-old Greece international has joined the Premier League champions on what they describe as a “long-term contract”.

Tzolis scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge.

He joins Arsenal after the departure of Belgium forward Leandro Trossard to Besiktas earlier this month

“Christos naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line,” said Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

“He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.

“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.”

Tzolis, who started his career at PAOK, made 30 appearances for Norwich between 2021 and 2024, scoring three goals.

During his time at the club he had spells on loan at Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf before joining Club Brugge.

Tzolis, who made his Premier League debut for the Canaries in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in September 2021, said he had a “nice conversation” with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“We talked about everything – about the club, about myself, about his plans, about me of course, about the team,” he said. “It was only positive things.

“I’m a direct player, I go for goals or assists. That’s my point of view as an attacker, as a winger.

“I’m always hungry to score or to give the final pass to my team-mates. And I can say I work hard for the team, also in the defensive part.”