Italy could turn to one of football’s most successful managers as the country looks to rebuild its national team after another World Cup absence.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is reported to have opened discussions with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over the vacant national team job.
According to Sky in Italy, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo travelled to Barcelona for talks with Guardiola, with discussions reportedly lasting three days.
The 55-year-old is understood to be one of several candidates being considered, alongside former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
An appointment for Guardiola would represent a major statement of intent from the FIGC. He would become only the second foreign manager to lead Italy and the first non-Italian to take charge of the national team since the 1960s.
Guardiola is currently out of work after ending a highly successful 10-year spell at Manchester City in May. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, he won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
However, Italy could offer him a different route back into management after he admitted he was mentally and physically exhausted by the demands of club football.
“I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired,” Guardiola said after his final match with City.
He added that it was the right time to step away from the club game, although international football could provide a less demanding schedule and allow him time to rebuild his energy.
Guardiola also has a personal connection with Italy. He spent two seasons playing in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, representing Brescia and Roma, and is fluent in Italian.
A return to Rome as Italy coach would therefore carry added significance, with the Azzurri scheduled to host Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in their next match.
Italy’s need for a major revival is clear. Despite winning four World Cups and two European Championships, the Azzurri have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
The team is currently ranked 15th in the world and missed the 2026 tournament in North America after losing a World Cup play-off to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.
Former head coach Gennaro Gattuso left the position in April, leaving the FIGC searching for a manager capable of restoring Italy to the international elite.
Guardiola’s immediate priority would be to guide Italy through qualification for Euro 2028, with the qualifying campaign scheduled for 2027.
The challenge would begin quickly, however, with Italy facing a demanding Nations League schedule that includes Turkey and France, alongside six matches between September and November.
Guardiola has already conquered the domestic game in Spain, Germany and England. The possibility of leading Italy would give him a new challenge — and an opportunity to restore one of football’s historic powers to the top of the international game.
