Pep Guardiola could be set for a swift return to management just weeks after concluding his decade-long tenure at Manchester City. Reports from Sky Italia indicate that the Catalan coach has engaged in discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) concerning a potential appointment as the head coach of the Italy national team.
The 2006 world champions are currently searching for a new leader following their decision to part ways with Gennaro Gattuso in April. The Italian side has faced significant challenges, including failing to qualify for this summer’s World Cup after a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs. Italy, who beat England in the final of Euro 2020, is now focused on ending a 12-year World Cup absence.
Paolo Maldini, the former AC Milan and Italy defender, is spearheading the recruitment process in his new role overseeing national team duties. Working alongside Leonardo, Maldini is reported to have traveled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola in an effort to persuade him to take the position. If Guardiola were to accept the role, he would become only the second non-native manager in the history of the Italian national team, following Hungarian Lajos Czeizler, who led the squad at the 1954 World Cup.
This development follows previous reports from The Athletic, which claimed that Guardiola had a verbal agreement in 2024 to manage the England national team. Ultimately, however, the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel to succeed Sir Gareth Southgate and interim manager Lee Carsley. During his ten years at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola achieved immense success, securing six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, three FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups.
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