Simone Inzaghi distanced himself from the vacant Italy job, reiterating his desire to remain at Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. 

Inzaghi, who left Inter last year, has been linked with taking charge of the national team.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing their play-off tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties last month, becoming the first former champions to fail to qualify for three editions of FIFA's flagship competition. 

Italy's wait for an appearance at the World Cup will stretch to at least 16 years by the time the 2030 tournament rolls around, with their latest near-miss seeing a reshuffle at the top.

Gennaro Gattuso, who was only appointed last June as Luciano Spalletti's replacement, left his position as Italy coach in the wake of that failed qualification campaign.

Napoli's Antonio Conte and AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri, and now Inzaghi have all been linked, but the Al-Hilal boss insisted he is happy where he is.

"I am staying at Al-Hilal because I am doing my job to the best of my abilities, and I am giving everything of myself," he said, with quotes via FCInter1908.

Inzaghi would bring some pedigree to the position if he were to take the role, having won six major honours during his time with Inter, which included the 2023-24 Serie A title. 

The 50-year-old also guided the Nerazzurri to two Champions League finals, but lost both of those to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively. 

During his four-year stint with Inter, Inzaghi won 101 of the 152 matches he took charge of (D28 L23), averaging 2.18 points per game. 

Al-Hilal are second in the Saudi Pro League, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr with six matches of the season remaining.