Italy Target Guardiola After Gattuso Exit
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with Pep Guardiola as it attempts to convince the former Manchester City manager to become the country’s new head coach.
According to Sky in Italy, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola and discuss the federation’s plans for the national team.
The talks reportedly lasted three days, with Maldini and Leonardo presenting their project for the future of Italian football and attempting to persuade Guardiola to take charge of the Azzurri.
It remains unclear whether Guardiola is interested in the position, but the FIGC is understood to be making a serious attempt to appoint the highly decorated coach.
Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also reportedly among the candidates being considered for the role.
The FIGC appointed Maldini and Leonardo as part of a major restructuring of Italian football following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gennaro Gattuso left his position as head coach in April after Italy failed to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Guardiola is currently a free agent after ending his 10-year spell with Manchester City. During his time at the Premier League club, the Spaniard won 20 trophies and recorded a 70.8 per cent win ratio.
Italy have struggled since winning the European Championship under Mancini in 2021 and have now failed to qualify for the last three major tournaments.
The FIGC is therefore hoping that the appointment of a world-class coach such as Guardiola could help restore Italy to the top of international football.
