I thank you for the counter-offer, but I have already made my decision.
'Contro-offerta' = KON-tro-of-FER-ta. Four syllables total with stress on the second syllable of each word.
Use this when your employer makes a counter-offer to convince you to stay. In Italian professional culture, accepting a counter-offer after resignation is generally viewed negatively — you become known as someone who uses other offers to negotiate pay, and trust is often permanently damaged.
'La ringrazio per' (I thank you for) opens graciously. 'Ho già preso la mia decisione' (I have already made my decision) is final and clear. Using 'già' (already) signals that the decision was made before the counter-offer, not despite it.
Apprezzo il gesto, ma la mia scelta è definitiva.
I appreciate the gesture, but my choice is definitive.
'Definitiva' (definitive) leaves no room for further negotiation
Non è una questione di soldi. È una questione di percorso.
It is not a question of money. It is a question of path.
Redirects from the economic aspect to the strategic career direction
Ho già dato la parola al nuovo datore di lavoro.
I have already given my word to the new employer.
Italian honour concept: 'dare la parola' (giving one's word) is binding culturally
In Italian professional culture, 'dare la parola' (giving one's word) is a sacred commitment. Accepting a counter-offer after promising a new employer you will join is considered dishonourable. Italian HR research also shows that employees who accept counter-offers statistically leave within 12 months anyway — making the counter-offer a temporary solution at best.