Pep Guardiola Holds Talks Over Italy Head Coach Role

• The Italian Football Federation has reportedly met Pep Guardiola in Barcelona to discuss becoming Italy’s next head coach.

• FIGC technical director, Paolo Maldini, and advisor, Leonardo, led the talks following Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City.

• Guardiola is yet to decide on his future after insisting he planned to take a break from coaching.

• Italy are searching for a new direction after failing to qualify for three consecutive major tournaments since winning Euro 2020.

July 20, (THEWILL) — Italy’s search for a new head coach has taken a high-profile turn, with the Italian Football Federation reportedly holding face-to-face talks with Pep Guardiola in a bid to persuade the former Manchester City manager to take charge of the Azzurri.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has intensified its search for a new national team coach after reportedly meeting with Pep Guardiola to discuss the possibility of leading Italy into a new era.

According to Sky in Italy, FIGC technical director, Paolo Maldini, and advisor, Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona for talks with Guardiola, who became a free agent earlier this year after ending his trophy-laden 10-year spell at Manchester City.

The meeting is understood to be part of Italy’s efforts to convince the Spaniard to accept his first international coaching role, although it remains unclear whether Guardiola is prepared to return to management so soon after leaving the Premier League champions.

Guardiola departed Manchester City as the most successful manager in the club’s history, winning 20 major trophies and recording a remarkable 70.8 percent win rate during a decade that transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant forces.

Despite the interest from Italy, Guardiola has consistently maintained that he intends to take a break from football.

A year before his departure from the Etihad Stadium, he revealed that he planned to step away from coaching once his City tenure came to an end, a position he reiterated during his farewell press conference.

“I have no plans for coaching for a while”, Guardiola said.

“I need to step back. I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title. I know myself, and I don’t feel I will have that energy.”

The 55-year-old also explained that family was a major factor behind his decision to leave management.

“There are things I have not done that I want to do. My father is still alive, and I want to spend more time with him. My children too. There are many things as a human being I can now enjoy. I’m fortunate enough to be able to make that choice.”

Italy’s interest comes as the four-time World Cup winners attempt to rebuild after a disappointing run on the international stage. Although the Azzurri lifted the UEFA European Championship in 2021 under Roberto Mancini, they have since endured a dramatic decline, failing to qualify for the last three major tournaments.

The FIGC believes Guardiola’s tactical pedigree and winning mentality could help restore Italy among world football’s elite, but any appointment will depend on whether the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City boss is ready to end his planned sabbatical.

For now, discussions remain exploratory, with no agreement reached, but Italy’s pursuit of one of football’s most decorated coaches signals the federation’s ambition to revive the fortunes of the Azzurri.