Pep Guardiola has held discussions with the Italian Football Federation regarding their vacant managerial position, according to Sky Sports Italy. Technical director Paolo Maldini reportedly traveled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola, aiming to persuade the former Manchester City boss to lead the Italian national team into the 2028 European Championships.
Guardiola, who left Manchester City in May after a successful tenure, has yet to indicate his interest in the role. Reports suggest that Maldini and advisor Leonardo Araujo presented their plans to Guardiola over a three-day period.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has struggled to qualify for recent major tournaments, failing to reach the last three World Cups. The team's last major tournament appearance was the 2021 European Championship final, which they won against England. Gennaro Gattuso was recently dismissed as head coach after Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup, following a playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.
Guardiola is not the only candidate being considered for the position. Roberto Mancini, who previously guided Italy to the 2021 European Championship title, and Andrea Pirlo are also reportedly under consideration. Mancini left his post in 2023, and could be in line for a return.
Guardiola is currently without a club, marking the first time in a decade he is not managing a team. During his time at Manchester City, he won 20 trophies and maintained a 70.8% win ratio. In 2024, he had a verbal agreement to coach England but ultimately withdrew, leading to Thomas Tuchel's appointment. Tuchel is currently contracted with England until the end of Euro 2028.
Guardiola has previously expressed openness to international management, though he stated his intention to take a break after departing Manchester City. In a 2024 interview, he noted a potential interest in coaching a national team, distinguishing it from the demands of club management.
There is an observed trend of prominent club managers transitioning to international roles, with figures such as Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Nagelsmann, and Carlo Ancelotti having led national teams. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is also expected to be appointed as the next Germany boss.