Italian Federation Pursues Guardiola for National Team Helm
FIGC targets Manchester City manager after World Cup qualification failures, signaling a historic shift for the Azzurri.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has initiated discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the head coach position for the national team, a move that could redefine the Azzurri's future.
Italy failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, a stark contrast to their European Championship victory in 2021.
Gennaro Gattuso departed as head coach in April after the team missed the 2026 World Cup, marking the culmination of the national team's recent struggles.
The FIGC now seeks a transformative figure, with Guardiola emerging as the primary target to lead Italy into the 2028 European Championships.
Guardiola was potentially the only man who should replace Thomas Tuchel in the England role.
This potential appointment marks a significant historical departure; Guardiola would become only the second non-Italian to manage the national team, a shift not witnessed in 60 years.
Alfredo Foni last led the Azzurri as a foreign coach in the 1960s, demonstrating the rarity of the FIGC's current strategy.
Paolo Maldini, the newly appointed technical director of the FIGC, traveled to Barcelona alongside advisor Leonardo to engage directly with Guardiola.
Over three days of intensive talks, Maldini and Leonardo meticulously outlined their vision and plans for the national squad.
Guardiola's prior experience in Italy includes two seasons playing in Serie A from 2001 to 2003, where he featured for both Brescia and Roma.
This history provides him with a unique understanding of Italian football culture, a factor the FIGC values in their approach.
Securing a manager of Guardiola's stature demands significant financial commitment from the FIGC, creating substantial economic implications.
Renewed success and increased commercial appeal will attract new sponsorships and boost fan engagement, offsetting these costs.
Manchester City's owners will not impede Guardiola if he chooses to pursue another coaching role, removing a potential obstacle for the FIGC.
Meanwhile, other prominent figures remain in contention for the role, including former Italy internationals Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
The decision carries immense weight for Italian football stakeholders, from the passionate fan base demanding a return to glory to the clubs whose players form the national squad.
This strategic shift follows a broader landscape in international football, where several top club managers, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, and Carlo Ancelotti, led national teams at the 2026 World Cup, indicating a growing trend.
Italy finds itself drawn in the Nations League alongside formidable opponents Turkey and France, presenting an immediate challenge for any incoming manager.
The pressure to perform is palpable, with the nation's footballing pride hinging on the FIGC's ability to secure a leader capable of navigating these complex waters.
Wayne Rooney suggested Pep Guardiola was potentially the only man who should replace Thomas Tuchel in the England role.