Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Italy in Talks with Pep Guardiola for National Team Role
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been talking to Pep Guardiola about becoming the new coach for the Italian national team.
They are very interested in him and are even willing to change their budget to make it happen.
Guardiola has had a very successful career coaching teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
The FIGC wants to rebuild Italian football with Guardiola as the main coach, not just for the senior team but also for all the younger teams.
Guardiola is thinking about the offer because he has said he wants to coach a national team before he retires.
Other candidates for the job are Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
The FIGC is making big changes after Italy failed to qualify for the last three World Cups.
Their last big win was the European Championships in 2021 under Mancini.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is in talks with Pep Guardiola to become the national team head coach.
FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and Leonardo met with Guardiola in Barcelona to discuss the role.
The FIGC is willing to make budget adjustments to hire Guardiola and envisions him as the central figure in a comprehensive 'Azzurro project' to rebuild Italian football.
Guardiola has expressed interest in coaching a national team at a major tournament before retiring.
Other candidates for the role include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
- Who
- Pep Guardiola, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Paolo Maldini, Leonardo
- What
- Talks between FIGC and Pep Guardiola for the national team manager role
- When
- Recent meetings in Barcelona
- Where
- Barcelona, Italy
- Why
- To rebuild Italian football and secure a high-profile coach for the national team
FIGC's Perspective
Guardiola's Perspective
Interest in Guardiola
FIGC's Perspective
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is highly interested in hiring Pep Guardiola as the national team head coach and is willing to make budget adjustments to secure him.
Guardiola's Perspective
Pep Guardiola has expressed interest in coaching a national team at a major tournament before retiring but is currently considering the offer.
Project Vision
FIGC's Perspective
The FIGC envisions Guardiola as the central figure in a comprehensive 'Azzurro project' to rebuild Italian football, involving all age-group teams.
Guardiola's Perspective
Guardiola is evaluating the FIGC's vision and its potential impact on his career and retirement plans.
- FIGC Officials
- Paolo Maldini and Leonardo
- Current National Team Manager
- Gennaro Gattuso (former)
- Last World Cup Win
- 2006
- Guardiola's Age
- 55
- Guardiola's Major Trophies
- 41
- Last Major Triumph
- European Championships 2021 under Roberto Mancini