Italy have made Pep Guardiola their leading candidate to become the country’s next head coach, with senior figures from the Italian Football Federation reportedly travelling to Barcelona for talks.
According to A Bola, citing Sky Sport Italia, Guardiola met newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo in Barcelona over the weekend.
No agreement has been reached, but the meeting represents a serious attempt to persuade one of the most successful managers of his generation to take charge of the Azzurri.
Maldini leads the ambitious approach
Maldini has been given a central role in reshaping Italian football after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
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Guardiola is reportedly viewed as the ideal figure to oversee that rebuild, with Euro 2028 already forming part of the federation’s long-term planning.
The Spaniard is currently without a club after ending his ten-year spell at Manchester City. During his time in England, he established City as the dominant force in domestic football while also delivering the club’s first Champions League title.
He had previously enjoyed hugely successful spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but has never managed at international level.
Guardiola’s sabbatical remains the obstacle
Despite Italy’s interest, convincing Guardiola to return to management may prove difficult.
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The 55-year-old has spoken openly about his desire to step away from football after spending almost two decades in management. As quoted by beIN Sports, Guardiola recently explained that he is enjoying life away from the game.
“Mentally, I don’t miss football at all. I started coaching at 37 and my entire life has been connected to football. Now I want to discover life, to be happy doing things that have nothing to do with football.”
Italy’s proposal would therefore require Guardiola to cut short a break he has described as necessary for both his health and his family life.
A strong connection to Italy
Guardiola already has a personal connection to Italian football. After leaving Barcelona as a player, he represented both Brescia and Roma during the closing years of his career.
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Taking charge of the national team would nevertheless present a very different challenge. Italy have not appeared at a World Cup since 2014, missing the tournaments in 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Their Euro 2020 triumph under Roberto Mancini remains the clear high point of an otherwise difficult period.
Alternatives remain under consideration
Although Guardiola is reportedly the federation’s preferred choice, Italy are also considering other candidates.
Former national team coach Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are both believed to be on the shortlist. Antonio Conte has also been linked with a return to the position he held between 2014 and 2016.
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For now, Guardiola remains an ambitious target rather than an imminent appointment. The Barcelona meeting shows Italy’s intent, but the decisive question is whether the Spaniard is ready to return to football at all.
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