Pep Guardiola in Talks to Become Italy’s New National Team Coach
Sky in Italy has reported that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with the former Manchester City boss to convince him to take over as their national team head coach.
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Reports indicate that legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, now the technical director of the FIGC, along with his advisor Leonardo, met with Guardiola in Barcelona over a three-day period.
Former Italy internationals Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also considered candidates for the role. If Guardiola accepts the position, he would become only the second non-Italian to lead the national team, and the first since the 1960s.
This move would mark an impressive return to football for Guardiola, just months after concluding a successful 10-year tenure at Manchester City in May.
However, this would not be Guardiola’s first experience in Italian football.
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At 55, Guardiola is fluent in Italian and played in Serie A for two seasons from 2001 to 2003, representing Brescia and Roma.
While Italy triumphed over England in the European Championship final in 2021, they have notably failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Gennaro Gattuso left the role of head coach in April after Italy was eliminated by Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in the European play-off, missing out on the 2026 tournament in North America.
‘If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him’
If Guardiola decides to return to management, could the English Football Association take action?
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England recently secured third place in the World Cup, their highest finish in a men’s tournament since winning in 1966.
However, manager Thomas Tuchel faced backlash following the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, as critics argued his defensive substitutions contributed to the loss of a 1-0 lead.
At 52, Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February after being appointed in January 2025, and retains the backing of the FA.
Nonetheless, former England captain Wayne Rooney suggested that the FA might seek to appoint Guardiola if the opportunity arises.
“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 following England’s loss to Argentina.
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“If we sack him [Tuchel], what managers are we going to bring in? And I don’t think there’s anyone out there who’s as good as Thomas Tuchel, unless Guardiola.”
The FA had approached Guardiola before Tuchel’s appointment and reportedly reached a verbal agreement while Guardiola remained at Manchester City.
During his decade in England, Guardiola secured 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shields.
He also captured the Champions League in 2023, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
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Incredible success wherever he has gone
Manchester City was only Guardiola’s third managerial role.
He began at Barcelona, where he spent much of his playing career, and enjoyed three successful years at Bayern Munich, leading them to the Bundesliga title every season, two German Cups, and both the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup once.
In club football, Guardiola is among the most decorated managers.
At Barcelona, having transitioned from coaching the ‘B’ side to the first team, Guardiola left with three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, five domestic cups, and multiple UEFA Super Cups and Club World Cups.
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Guardiola bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City fans after their last game of the 2025-26 season, a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.
He expressed: “I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it.”
“The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here for 10 years is more than any other.”
“Without the trophies I would have been sacked, but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy. It is the memories and connections I had since day one with the city, the backroom staff, and the players.”
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Despite the emotional farewell, Guardiola felt confident in his decision. He remarked: “It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that’s for sure.”
Could a refreshed Guardiola restore Italy to previous glories?
Guardiola’s Manchester City squad closely challenged Arsenal throughout the 2025-26 season before the Gunners claimed the title in the closing week.
Feeling both mentally and physically exhausted, Guardiola expressed the need for “rest” and a desire to “step back” from club football, stating he would not have the energy needed to compete every three days with the pressure of title contention.
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However, could he truly distance himself from the game? And might international football, with its reduced daily pressures, be the ideal opportunity for him to return?
Italy boasts a rich football history, having claimed four World Cups and two European Championships, yet they currently rank 15th in the world and are watching from home for a third consecutive World Cup.
Guardiola’s primary objective would be to secure qualification for Euro 2028, set to take place in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with qualifiers scheduled for 2027.
Time will be of the essence, as Italy’s next match is scheduled against Belgium in the Nations League on September 25 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Guardiola once played for Roma.
This role presents a demanding start for Guardiola, as Italy is also grouped alongside Turkey and World Cup semi-finalists France in the Nations League, with a total of six matches planned between September and November.
Yet, as demonstrated throughout his career, Guardiola is unafraid of challenges. This could represent an immediate comeback for one of football’s all-time great managers.