Cesc Fàbregas rules out Italy national team job for now
Cesc Fàbregas has dismissed the possibility of becoming Italy's next head coach in the immediate future, stating his preference for daily club management. The Spanish coach, currently in charge of Serie B side Como, made the comments after receiving the prestigious Enzo Bearzot award as the best coach of the year in Italian football on Monday, becoming the first foreigner to win the prize.
When questioned about the vacant Italy national team position, Fàbregas was clear about his current ambitions. "Maybe one day, but for now, I am still too much of a coach," he said, according to reports. "I need to be on the pitch every day with the players, the young ones, preparing for matches. Working for a national team would be a bit boring for me at this moment. In the future, when I am older, you never know."
The Italy role became available following a period of instability after the departure of former manager Luciano Spalletti. The Italian Football Federation has provisionally appointed Silvio Baldini, the current Under-21 coach, to lead the senior side for the upcoming June international window while they conduct a thorough search for a permanent successor. Several high-profile names from both Italian and international football are being considered for the role.
Fàbregas's award win marks a significant personal achievement early in his coaching career. The 37-year-old former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder only retired from playing in 2023 and immediately transitioned into a coaching role at Como, where he had been a player. His rapid impact at the Lombardy club, guiding them to promotion contention in Serie B, has clearly impressed the awards panel and made him a figure of interest in the Italian game.
His decision to publicly withdraw from consideration narrows the field for the FIGC. While his candidacy was likely more speculative given his inexperience, his success this season had placed him in the broader conversation. For Fàbregas, the focus remains fully on Como's final push for promotion to Serie A, a task that aligns with his stated desire for the hands-on, day-to-day challenges of club football.
The coming weeks will now see the Italian federation intensify its search elsewhere, with a permanent appointment expected after the summer's European Championship. For Fàbregas, the recognition from Italian football suggests a promising coaching career lies ahead, even if a step into international management remains a distant prospect.
