Pep Guardiola linked with Italy national team job amid Manchester City uncertainty
Pep Guardiola is being linked with a sensational move to become the next head coach of the Italy national team, according to reports in Italy. The Manchester City manager, who is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, is said to be attracted by the "gamble" of leading the Azzurri as speculation over his club future intensifies.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Guardiola "will listen" to an approach from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) should one be made. Italy have been without a permanent manager since Gennaro Gattuso was dismissed following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The report claims Guardiola's thoughts on the role have not changed since he responded positively to questions about it back in 2018, suggesting the project of reviving the four-time world champions holds a unique appeal.
The speculation has gained momentum within Italy itself, with former captain Leonardo Bonucci publicly backing the idea. "Time is the only miracle solution, and if radical change is desired, Pep is the man for the job," Bonucci said. He added that the important task is to rebuild Italian football from the ground up to regain global respect. The FIGC is due to appoint a new president on May 13, and Gazzetta suggests that making contact with Guardiola should be the incoming president's first priority.
Guardiola's future at Manchester City has been a topic of discussion for months, despite his long-term deal. In the past, he has spoken about the potential downsides of a manager staying at one club for too long, though he has appeared to reconsider that stance during his successful decade in Manchester. However, reports indicate that burnout could be a significant factor, with some speculating that winning another Premier League title this season might even provide a natural conclusion to his tenure rather than a reason to stay.
A move to an international post would represent a significant shift for the 55-year-old, whose entire storied managerial career at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City has been spent in the relentless day-to-day environment of club football. The Italy job, while high-pressure, would offer a different rhythm and potentially a less gruelling schedule, which could be attractive if he seeks a change. For Italy, appointing a figure of Guardiola's stature would be a major coup and signal a bold new direction following a period of disappointment.
Any approach remains hypothetical at this stage, and Guardiola has given no public indication of his intentions. Manchester City would be expected to fight to retain the most successful manager in their history, who has delivered multiple Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League crown. The coming weeks, as City's season concludes and Italy's presidential election takes place, are likely to bring more clarity to a situation that could define the next cycle for both a European giant and a national team in need of renewal.
