Pep Guardiola has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Italy national team after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) held discussions with the former Manchester City manager.
The development was confirmed by Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò, who revealed that talks have taken place with Guardiola and suggested the federation could make financial exceptions to secure one of football’s most successful coaches.
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season after a trophy-laden decade in charge, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial spells in Premier League history. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, he guided City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a UEFA Champions League crown.
Italy have been searching for a new manager since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, prompting the federation to consider a number of high-profile candidates.
Speaking about the possibility of appointing Guardiola, Malagò acknowledged that the Spaniard’s salary would normally be beyond the federation’s budget but indicated special measures could be considered.
“Exceptions have been made, exceptions that may concern the name that is so prominent at the moment: Pep Guardiola,” Malagò said.
“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
While Guardiola is among the frontrunners, Malagò stressed that he is not the only candidate under consideration. Former Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who led the nation to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, currently in charge of Dubai United, are also believed to be in contention.
“We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category,” Malagò added.
If appointed, Guardiola would become one of the very few non-Italians to lead the national team. Throughout their history, Italy have almost exclusively been coached by Italian managers, with only rare exceptions involving Hungarian coach Lajos Czeizler and Argentine tactician Helenio Herrera in the mid-20th century.
Although Guardiola has never managed in Serie A, he is no stranger to Italian football. The Spaniard spent two seasons playing in Italy between 2001 and 2003, featuring for Brescia and Roma, and is fluent in Italian.
The 55-year-old had indicated after leaving Manchester City that he intended to take a break from management.
“I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired,” Guardiola said following his departure.
However, the opportunity to lead one of international football’s most decorated nations could tempt him back into management much sooner than expected.
Should negotiations progress successfully, Guardiola would be tasked with rebuilding an Italy side eager to return to the world’s biggest stage after missing three successive World Cups.
Read more – Pep admits City ‘not at required level’ as derby loss dents title hopes
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