The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has engaged in discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the head coach position for the national team. This development follows Gennaro Gattuso’s departure from the role in April, after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup tournament. Guardiola recently concluded a decade-long tenure with Manchester City, making him available for a new coaching opportunity.
According to reports, Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor, Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola. Their conversations reportedly spanned three days, during which they outlined their vision for the Italian national team. While the FIGC is actively pursuing Guardiola, it is not yet clear if he will accept the position.
Guardiola is currently without a coaching role for the first time in a decade, having left Manchester City. During his time with the club, he secured 20 trophies and maintained a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. His achievements at City include leading the team to a treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, a feat previously accomplished by Manchester United in 1999.
The Spanish manager also influenced English football with his possession-based style, which became widely adopted across various levels of the sport in the country. Before his departure from City, Guardiola had indicated a desire to take a break from football to spend more time with his family, citing a need to step back and regain energy. He had previously stated that he would not immediately jump into another club coaching role that required the same intensity.
The FIGC’s outreach to Guardiola is part of a broader restructuring effort within Italian football. Maldini and Leonardo were brought in to address the national team’s recent struggles, particularly their failure to qualify for the last three major tournaments since winning the European Championships in 2021 under Roberto Mancini. The national team’s manager position is currently vacant.
Other individuals reportedly considered for the head coach role include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. Guardiola has also reportedly been contacted by three other national teams, though the initial conversation with the Italian Football Federation was brief, lasting “barely one minute” according to one report, as he intends to take time off.
Guardiola’s interest in international management
Guardiola has previously expressed an interest in international management, distinguishing it from the demands of club football. In a 2024 interview, he mentioned that he would not have the energy to move to another country to perform the same role he had at Manchester City, but indicated that a national team position could be different.
This sentiment aligns with the idea that international management offers a different work-life balance, allowing for periods away from daily training while still engaging in major tournaments. Such a role could appeal to Guardiola, who has achieved significant success in club football and may be seeking a new challenge in the international arena.
In 2024, there were reports of a verbal agreement between Guardiola and the FA to potentially replace Gareth Southgate as the England boss. However, Guardiola ultimately decided to remain at Manchester City, and Thomas Tuchel was appointed to the England role, guiding the team to their best World Cup finish on foreign soil. Tuchel’s contract with England extends until the end of Euro 2028.
The prospect of Guardiola leading a national team to World Cup glory, especially one like Italy that has faced recent qualification challenges, could be a compelling new chapter in his career. The Italian Football Federation is making concrete attempts to secure his services.
The search for a new coach
The FIGC’s efforts to find a successor to Gennaro Gattuso are a direct response to Italy’s recent performance on the international stage. The national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup has prompted a significant re-evaluation and restructuring within the federation, leading to the appointments of Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.
Guardiola’s availability, following his departure from Manchester City, presents a unique opportunity for the Italian national team. Despite his stated desire for a break, the FIGC is actively pursuing him, hoping to convince him to take on the challenge of leading Italy back to prominence in international football.
The discussions with Guardiola highlight the FIGC’s commitment to bringing in a high-calibre manager to revitalize the national squad. The outcome of these talks will determine the direction of the Italian national team as they look towards future international competitions.
Italy has won four World Cup titles in its history but has failed to qualify for the last two tournaments.
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Source: skysports.com
