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Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over the possibility of becoming the next head coach of Italy’s national team, as the four-time World Cup winners intensify efforts to rebuild following another failed World Cup qualification campaign.
The development was confirmed by FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, who acknowledged that the federation has held talks with the Spaniard and is prepared to make exceptional financial arrangements to secure the services of one of football’s most accomplished managers.
Guardiola emerged as a leading candidate after Gennaro Gattuso left the role in April, following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Italian sports outlet Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malagò confirmed the discussions, saying, “Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.”
He, however, cautioned that negotiations remain ongoing, adding, “Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season after a trophy-laden decade in charge. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, he guided the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the UEFA Champions League, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful managers of the modern era.
The 55-year-old has previously enjoyed highly successful spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning multiple domestic league titles and European honours before moving to England.
Although Guardiola has never managed in Italian football, he is no stranger to the country. He played in Serie A between 2001 and 2003 with Brescia and Roma, and is fluent in Italian.
The federation is also understood to be considering former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is currently in charge of Dubai United.
Should an agreement be reached, Guardiola would return to management only months after stepping down from Manchester City, having previously admitted he needed a break after what he described as a physically and mentally demanding decade in English football.
