Cesc Fàbregas rules out Italy job, focused on Como coaching role
Cesc Fàbregas has publicly removed himself from consideration for the vacant Italy national team manager's position. The former Spain and Arsenal midfielder, now head coach of Serie B side Como, stated his commitment to day-to-day club management during an event in Italy where he received the Enzo Bearzot award for coach of the year.
Fàbregas became the first foreign recipient of the prestigious Italian coaching prize on Monday. When questioned about the possibility of succeeding Luciano Spalletti as Italy's head coach, the 37-year-old was definitive about his current ambitions. "Maybe one day, but for now, I am still too much of a coach," Fàbregas 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."
His comments come as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) seeks a permanent appointment. The federation has provisionally placed Silvio Baldini, the current Italy U21 manager, in charge of the senior squad for June's international fixtures while the search continues. Baldini will oversee friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina next month.
The Italy job became available following Spalletti's departure by mutual consent in August, just months after he took the role following a Serie A title win with Napoli. The FIGC is reportedly considering several high-profile Italian and international candidates for the permanent role, which will involve guiding the reigning European champions through their Nations League campaign and towards the 2026 World Cup.
Fàbregas's award win and subsequent comments highlight his rapid rise in management. After retiring from playing in 2023 following a stint at Como, he immediately transitioned into a coaching role at the club, initially as a Primavera manager before taking temporary charge of the first team. His work has been credited with stabilizing Como's campaign as they push for promotion to Serie A, currently sitting in a playoff position.
The former World Cup winner's decision to focus on club football narrows the pool of options for the FIGC. Other names linked to the role include Antonio Conte, who previously managed Italy from 2014 to 2016, and current Bologna manager Thiago Motta. For Fàbregas, the immediate future remains at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, where he will aim to complete Como's promotion bid this season.
