The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant position of national team manager. Guardiola, a free agent since departing Manchester City in May after a decade, has never previously coached an international side.
Italy has been without a manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April. His departure followed the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, after a play-off loss to Bosnia.
Financial flexibility for a high-profile candidate
FIGC president Giovanni Malago indicated that the federation might show financial flexibility to secure a candidate of Guardiola’s stature. Speaking to an Italian digital sports platform, Malago mentioned that financial exceptions have been made, specifically referencing Guardiola’s name.
Malago acknowledged the financial challenges but hinted at special provisions for a high-profile appointment. He stated that while tightening belts is generally necessary, exceptions could be made for a dominant name like Guardiola.
Senior FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo reportedly held extensive talks with Guardiola in Barcelona. During these discussions, they presented a long-term vision for Italian football that extends beyond managing the senior national side, aiming for an overhaul of the entire national team structure.
The proposal positions Guardiola as a central figure in an ambitious “Azzurro project” designed to rebuild Italian football from the grassroots level up to the senior team. Guardiola reportedly listened carefully to the presentation.
Guardiola’s career and other candidates
Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City saw him secure 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. He guided the club to a historic Treble in the 2022-23 season and oversaw their record 100-point league campaign in 2017-18. City also became the first English top-flight side to win four consecutive league titles under his leadership. He departed with a win percentage of 70.8.
Before joining City in 2016, Guardiola achieved significant success with other major clubs. He won two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles with Barcelona, and three Bundesliga crowns with Bayern Munich.
Guardiola has never coached in Italy, but he speaks the language fluently. He played in Serie A for Roma and Brescia between 2001 and 2003. After his demanding decade at City, Guardiola expressed being “so tired” following his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Other candidates reportedly in contention to replace Gattuso include former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is currently coaching Dubai United. Malago clarified that these are not the only candidates, stating that the federation considers a certain profile, and these names fit that category.
Upcoming matches and federation goals
The appointment of a new national coach is seen as a crucial step in overhauling Italy’s youth and talent infrastructure. This infrastructure is described as having collapsed in a country where football remains a national obsession.
Italy’s next match is scheduled at home against Belgium in the Uefa Nations League on September 25 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The Azzurri are also set to face Turkey and World Cup semi-finalists France in the Nations League, with six matches scheduled between September and November. Qualification games for Euro 2028, which will be played in the United Kingdom and Ireland, are set to take place in 2027.
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Source: thenationalnews.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
