Italy's dream: Pep Guardiola

The head coach search at the Italy national team has reached a name that excites the football world. According to the report, Pep Guardiola has emerged as a serious candidate for the Azzurri's vacant post; Italy's decision-makers view the Catalan coach as the figure capable of leading a complete reset of the national team.

A deep crisis lies behind this bold search. Four-time world champions Italy missed the 2026 World Cup following 2018 and 2022, failing to qualify for a third consecutive tournament. Following that historic failure, the federation (FIGC) launched a root-and-branch restructuring: Paolo Maldini was appointed technical director and President of Club Italia on a four-year contract running until the 2030 World Cup, while former Milan and PSG director Leonardo joined the structure as an advisor.

The new leadership's outlook has left the traditional candidates behind. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, previously viewed as the favourites for the seat vacated by Gennaro Gattuso's departure, are reported to no longer sit at the top of the list; Guardiola, meanwhile, is said to be no longer a "fantasy" option. Belief is also reported to be growing that the Catalan, who closed his ten-year era at Manchester City and is currently available, is keen to step into international management at some stage of his career.

The biggest obstacle is his salary. Guardiola is reported to have earned around €25 million gross in his final season at City, and the scenario could require the support of federation sponsors. Should the appointment materialize, Guardiola — who wore the Brescia and Roma shirts during his playing days — would go down in history as the first foreign head coach of the Italy national team; Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo are mentioned among the alternatives.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Image: BBC Sport