Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, has entered discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regarding the vacant head coach position of the Italy national team. The Catalan tactician left the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2025-26 season after a decade of unprecedented success, securing six Premier League titles among other trophies.
Guardiola's International Ambitions
Guardiola has previously expressed a desire to manage a national team. Reports indicate he verbally agreed to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager but later reconsidered. Now, he appears close to taking on one of international football's most prestigious roles. The move would mark a return to Italy, where he played for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003, making 29 appearances across three seasons.
Talks with Italian Officials
According to sources, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo flew to Barcelona to hold face-to-face talks with Guardiola. The meeting underscores Italy's urgency to appoint a high-profile manager after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time, despite the tournament expanding to 48 teams. Gattuso's departure was part of a wider restructuring that also saw Gabriele Gravina step down as FIGC president and Gianluigi Buffon relinquish his role as delegation head.
City Football Group Advisory Role
Although Guardiola is no longer Manchester City's manager, he remains part of the City Football Group (CFG) as an advisor. In this capacity, he lends his expertise to CFG clubs such as Palermo, Lommel, and Troyes. However, reports from the Manchester Evening News suggest this position includes a clause barring him from taking another coaching role, though City's ownership is unlikely to block his path if he pursues the Italy job.
When Guardiola's advisory role was announced, City CEO Ferran Soriano said: "As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the group. We will be able to use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players. We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend... forever."
Other Links and Context
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, has also been linked with a return to the national team post. Additionally, calls have emerged for Guardiola to manage Brazil after their World Cup elimination in the round of 16 by Erling Haaland's Norway, but the Italy talks appear more advanced.
