Pep Guardiola’s extraordinary managerial career has spanned Spain, Germany, and England with unprecedented success. Now, fresh reports suggest Italy could become the next chapter in one of football’s most decorated coaching journeys. Sky in Italy has revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has initiated formal discussions with the former Manchester City boss, aiming to persuade him to take charge of the Azzurri as their new national team head coach.
The Barcelona Meetings: Maldini Leads the Pursuit
According to multiple reports, legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, recently appointed as the FIGC’s new technical director, traveled to Barcelona alongside his advisor Leonardo to meet with Guardiola. The discussions reportedly spanned three days, signaling the seriousness of Italy’s intent to secure one of the greatest managers in football history.
However, Guardiola is not the only candidate under consideration. Former Italy internationals Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo remain in contention for the role. Nevertheless, Guardiola’s appointment would represent a historic shift, as he would become only the second non-Italian to manage the national team and the first since the 1960s.
Guardiola’s Italian Connection
Importantly, this would not be Guardiola’s first encounter with Italian football. The 55-year-old is a fluent Italian speaker and spent two seasons playing in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, featuring for Brescia on two separate occasions and Roma once. This linguistic and cultural familiarity could prove invaluable in managing a squad steeped in Italian footballing tradition.
Italy’s Crisis: Three Missed World Cups and a Coaching Vacuum
The urgency behind Italy’s search for a new manager is undeniable. Despite winning the European Championship in 2021 with a victory over England in the final, the Azzurri have suffered a catastrophic decline on the international stage. Remarkably, Italy has now failed to qualify for three successive World Cups, a stunning fall from grace for a nation with four World Cup titles to its name.
Gennaro Gattuso departed the head coach role in April following a devastating penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the European play-off, which eliminated Italy from the 2026 World Cup in North America. Currently ranked 15th in the world, Italy desperately needs a transformative figure to restore its former glory.
Would England Come Calling for Guardiola?
Tuchel Under Pressure Despite Third-Place Finish
Meanwhile, across the Channel, speculation is mounting about whether the English Football Association might also pursue Guardiola. England recently finished third at the 2026 World Cup, their highest placement in a men’s tournament since winning the competition in 1966. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel has faced widespread criticism following the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, with many pundits arguing that his defensive substitutions directly contributed to England’s inability to protect a 1-0 lead.
Tuchel, 52, signed a two-year contract extension in February after being appointed in January 2025, and he retains the official backing of the FA. Nevertheless, former England captain Wayne Rooney publicly suggested that the FA should consider pursuing Guardiola if he becomes available.
“I don’t see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him,” Rooney stated on The Wayne Rooney Show. “I don’t think there’s anyone out there who’s as good as Thomas Tuchel, unless Guardiola.”
Notably, the FA had approached Guardiola before ultimately appointing Tuchel, with reports indicating a verbal agreement had been in place before Guardiola chose to remain at Manchester City.
A Legendary Career: From Barcelona to Manchester City
Unparalleled Trophy Haul
Guardiola’s managerial resume is virtually unmatched in modern football. During his remarkable decade at Manchester City, which concluded in May 2026, he accumulated 20 trophies. These include six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, and the coveted Champions League trophy in 2023, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Before City, Guardiola enjoyed three successful seasons at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga in every campaign alongside two German Cups. His managerial journey began at Barcelona, where he claimed three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and five domestic cups.
An Emotional Farewell at the Etihad
Guardiola bid a tearful goodbye to Manchester City supporters following the final match of the 2025-26 season, a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. “I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it,” he told the crowd. He emphasized that the memories and human connections mattered more than the silverware, adding definitively: “It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that’s for sure.”
The Challenge Ahead: Restoring Italy’s Footballing Pride
Could international football provide the perfect re-entry for a manager who explicitly stated he needed rest from the relentless three-day cycle of club football? Italy’s schedule would offer a less demanding day-to-day rhythm while still presenting high-stakes competition.
Guardiola’s primary objective would be securing qualification for Euro 2028, hosted across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with qualifiers beginning in 2027. However, competitive action would arrive quickly. Italy’s next fixture is a Nations League match against Belgium on September 25 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, the very stadium where Guardiola once played for Roma. Additionally, Italy faces Turkey and World Cup semi-finalists France in the Nations League, with six matches scheduled between September and November.
Ultimately, Guardiola has never shied away from a challenge. Whether he chooses Italy, considers England’s potential interest, or extends his sabbatical, the football world will be watching closely. For a manager who has conquered every league he has entered, the prospect of restoring a fallen giant like Italy may prove irresistible.
