Pep Guardiola is a potential candidate to become the next manager of the Italy national team, according to a report from Sky Sport. Representatives Paolo Maldini and Leonardo reportedly met with the current Manchester City manager in Barcelona over the weekend for extensive talks regarding the position.
While Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini have been previously linked with the role, the Italian Football Federation, led by Giovanni Malagò, are now exploring the possibility of appointing Guardiola to lead the national side. Malagò emphasized the importance of a collaborative decision-making process, stating that all parties involved must be in agreement before any appointment is made.
Guardiola previously played for Brescia and Roma during his playing career, but has never managed an Italian club side. This potential move would see him take the reins of the national team, a position Italy hopes will provide stability and a pathway to future success after recent disappointments. Malagò highlighted the need to restructure the organization and methodology of the national team setup before focusing solely on the manager.
Discussions are ongoing regarding Guardiola’s potential demands and whether they align with the federation’s financial capabilities. Malagò also pointed to examples like Lionel Scaloni, who had a modest playing career but achieved success as Argentina’s manager, and Luis de la Fuente, who has risen through the Spanish youth ranks, as evidence that managerial experience isn’t always the defining factor. The federation is prioritizing a long-term vision focused on developing Italian talent and improving the overall quality of the national team program. A decision is expected imminently.
