Italian Football Federation holds talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming national team head coach: report
Pep Guardiola has spoken to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about becoming their next national team head coach.
Reports claim that Guardiola is seen as the man to turn around the Italians’ fortunes, after they failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.
Whether or not Guardiola wants the job remains to be seen, but the ex-Manchester City man is reportedly top of the list.
Sky Italy are claiming that a contingent, including the new Italian Football Federation’s technical director Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo have flown to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola.
Talks were held over a three day period, suggesting that Guardiola hasn’t flat out rejected the approach.
Maldini and Leonardo are part of a big shake up by the FIGC to bring success back to Italy, who have failed to qualify for a World Cup since 2014.
They have immediately identified Guardiola as the man who can get their country’s football team back on track.
After winning the Euros in 2021, Italy have had a difficult five years, after they were knocked out of the 2024 Euros by Switzerland.
Guardiola isn’t the only man on their list to replace former boss Gennaro Gattuso, however.
Reports claim that Roberto Mancini, the man who masterminded their 2021 success, is also an option.
Andrea Pirlo is another potential option for the role.
Guardiola would take some persuading to take the role, given that he told Sky Sports he had “no plans for coaching for a while” and said: “I need to step back.”
However, he has previously shown an openness to taking on an international position, reportedly agreeing to take over as England boss after Gareth Southgate’s departure.
