Pep Guardiola, who secured 12 league titles across Spain, Germany, and England, could be heading to Italy. According to reports from Sky in Italy, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has engaged in discussions with the former Manchester City manager to lead their national team. Technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo reportedly spent three days in Barcelona meeting with the 55-year-old coach.
Guardiola is a fluent Italian speaker who previously competed in Serie A while playing for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003. Italy is currently seeking a new manager after parting ways with Gennaro Gattuso following a disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. If appointed, Guardiola would be the first non-Italian manager for the squad since the 1960s.
Speculation has also surfaced regarding the England national team. Although current manager Thomas Tuchel has the backing of the Football Association, some, including Wayne Rooney, have suggested the FA should pursue Guardiola should he become available. The FA had previously approached him before selecting Tuchel. After ending a successful ten-year tenure at Manchester City, where he accumulated 20 trophies including six Premier League titles, Guardiola stated he required a break from the intensity of club management. However, a less frequent international schedule might provide a viable return to the sport.
