Pep Guardiola has held face‐to‐face talks with senior Italian football chiefs as the four-time world champions make a bold attempt to appoint him as their new national team coach.
According to Sky in Italy, officials from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) – including newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo – recently travelled to meet the former Manchester City manager and outline their long-term plan for revitalising the Azzurri.
The approach comes as Italy seeks to rebuild after a period of deep disappointment, capped by another failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIGC steps up pursuit after World Cup failure
The FIGC is understood to have accelerated its search for a high-profile coach in the wake of the latest World Cup qualifying debacle, which has triggered sweeping changes at the federation.
Maldini, one of Italy’s most respected former captains, and Leonardo are reported to have led the delegation that sat down with Guardiola to discuss the role and present an ambitious roadmap for the national team.
The federation wants a coach with a proven record of rebuilding sides and creating dominant playing identities, and views Guardiola – one of the most decorated managers of the modern era – as an ideal figurehead for a new era.
Officials are said to have emphasised not only the senior team but also a broader technical project aimed at reshaping youth development and the overall philosophy of Italian football.
Guardiola without a club after Manchester City success
Guardiola, 55, is currently out of work following the end of his hugely successful tenure at Manchester City.
During his spell in England, he transformed City into one of Europe’s most formidable clubs, claiming multiple Premier League titles, domestic cup triumphs and the UEFA Champions League, while imposing a distinctive, possession-based style of play.
His availability has prompted interest from several quarters, but the FIGC’s move represents one of the most ambitious attempts yet to lure him into international management.
If he were to accept, it would be his first role in charge of a national team, following trophy-laden stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Talks described as ‘exploratory’
Despite the significance of the talks, there is no indication so far that Guardiola has agreed to take the job.
Reports in Italy describe the meeting as “exploratory”, with the primary aim of gauging his interest and outlining what the FIGC could offer in terms of autonomy, resources and long-term backing.
The federation is believed to be prepared to give Guardiola considerable influence over the entire technical structure, though any agreement would likely require extensive negotiations over salary, staffing and preparation windows for international tournaments.
Guardiola’s long-standing interest in national-team role
Guardiola has previously suggested he would one day like to coach a national side, having already experienced elite club football in three of Europe’s top leagues.
He has also, however, spoken of the need to rest and take time away from the intensity of daily club management after leaving Manchester City, raising questions over whether he would be ready to commit to another demanding project so soon.
Italy’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup has increased the urgency of the federation’s rebuild, with pressure from fans and media for a decisive break from recent underachievement.
Whether the FIGC can persuade Guardiola to anchor that transformation remains uncertain, but the decision to pursue him underlines the scale of Italy’s ambition as it seeks to restore the Azzurri to the summit of world football.
