Italy Hold Talks With Pep Guardiola as FIGC Steps Up Search for New National Team Coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly held talks with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as it searches for a new head coach following Italy's latest World Cup disappointment.

According to reports from Sky Italia, the FIGC has identified Guardiola as one of its leading targets to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.

To strengthen their pursuit, the federation's new technical director, Paolo Maldini, accompanied by advisor Leonardo, reportedly travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola and discuss the possibility of taking charge of the Azzurri.

It remains unclear whether the Spanish tactician is prepared to return to coaching so soon after ending his successful spell at Manchester City, or whether he is interested in international management at this stage of his career.

Guardiola is widely regarded as one of football's greatest coaches, having enjoyed trophy-laden spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, where he won multiple domestic league titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Should Guardiola decline the offer, the FIGC is also considering other experienced candidates, including former Italy manager Roberto Mancini and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Italy's failure to qualify for another World Cup has intensified calls for major reforms within the national team setup, with the federation eager to appoint a coach capable of restoring the country's status among world football's elite.

Opinion

Pep Guardiola would be an ambitious appointment for Italy. His tactical brilliance, emphasis on possession-based football, and proven ability to develop players could help modernize the Azzurri. However, international football presents a very different challenge from club management, with limited training time and fewer opportunities to implement complex tactical systems. Whether Guardiola is willing to embrace that challenge remains uncertain, but his appointment would undoubtedly rank among the biggest coaching moves in international football.