The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly opened discussions with Pep Guardiola as it continues its search for a new head coach for the national team.
According to reports from Sky Italia, the federation has made a direct approach to the former Manchester City manager, with newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo travelling to Barcelona for talks.
The duo are said to have spent three days meeting with Guardiola, presenting the federation’s long-term plans for the Azzurri as Italy seeks to recover from another disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although Guardiola has not yet indicated whether he is interested in the role, the FIGC is reportedly making a strong effort to convince him to take charge. Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and ex-AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo are also believed to be among the candidates under consideration.
The appointments of Maldini and Leonardo form part of a wider restructuring within Italian football following the country’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup. One of their immediate priorities is to appoint a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after Italy failed to secure a place at the tournament in North America.
Guardiola has been without a managerial role since ending his remarkable 10-year spell at Manchester City, where he won 20 major trophies and recorded an impressive 70.8 percent win rate.
Before leaving the Premier League champions, Guardiola revealed that he intended to take a break from coaching, citing the physical and emotional demands of the profession.
He explained that he no longer felt he had the daily energy required to compete for major honours and wanted time away from football.
The Spanish tactician also said his decision was influenced by family, noting that he wanted to spend more time with his father, his children, and focus on aspects of life outside football after years of intense competition.