Italy pursues Pep Guardiola for national team manager role

By Blessing Adeyi — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Italy’s pursuit of Guardiola

The Italian national team is actively seeking to appoint Pep Guardiola as their new head coach. Reports indicate that Paolo Maldini, recently appointed as the sporting director for the Italian national team, and Leonardo met with Guardiola in Barcelona to discuss the vacant position. This meeting reportedly extended beyond a brief discussion, potentially continuing throughout the weekend.

The interest in Guardiola became public after photographs of Maldini and Leonardo in Spain circulated on social media. These images led to speculation that the pair had traveled to offer Guardiola the opportunity to manage the Azzurri. Italy reportedly views Guardiola as their primary candidate in their search for a new manager.

Guardiola recently concluded his tenure with Manchester City at the end of the season and is currently without a team. Information from Sky Italia first reported the meeting between the former AC Milan footballer and the Spanish coach. Leonardo, also part of the coaching staff, was present at the Barcelona meeting, which served as an initial contact to potentially hire the coach.

Guardiola’s sabbatical and other candidates

Despite the significant offer from Italy, a primary challenge remains Guardiola’s stated commitment to a break from football. The 55-year-old has expressed a desire for time away from management, indicating a need for a sabbatical. He has spoken about wanting to experience life outside of football, spend more time with his children, and care for his 95-year-old father. Guardiola noted that he started managing at 37 and that his life has been continuously tied to football, and he is now adjusting to a new phase.

Italy’s interest in Guardiola is not new, as he has a connection to the country from his playing career with Brescia and Roma after leaving Barcelona. This period reportedly fostered his affection for Italy, which now hopes he will take charge of the national team.

While Guardiola is considered the dream appointment, the Italian federation is also exploring other options. Former Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo have both been linked to the role. Additionally, recent reports suggest that Antonio Conte may have already agreed to a deal to become the new head coach. Other major national teams are also reportedly monitoring Guardiola’s situation, with some pundits suggesting him as a potential replacement for Thomas Tuchel as the England manager following their recent World Cup performance.

The search for a new manager follows Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, which occurred after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The federation awaits Guardiola’s decision regarding his sabbatical before finalizing their managerial plans.

The impact of Italy’s World Cup absence

Italy’s absence from recent World Cup tournaments has created a strong desire within the federation to revitalize the national team. The disappointment among fans over the team’s performance, particularly their failure to qualify for the World Cup, has highlighted the urgent need for a new direction. The 2028 European Championship, scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom and Ireland, is a key tournament for which Italy is already planning.

The federation’s proactive approach, including the face-to-face meeting with Guardiola, underscores the importance placed on securing a high-profile manager. Guardiola’s track record and reputation make him a highly sought-after candidate for national teams looking to achieve significant success.

The decision for Guardiola to potentially end his sabbatical early would be a significant development for Italian football. His previous comments about needing a break suggest a personal desire to step away from the intense demands of top-level management for a period. He expressed a wish to discover life and engage in activities unrelated to football, indicating a shift in his priorities after a long career in the sport.

The Italian federation continues to assess its options while awaiting clarity on Guardiola’s willingness to return to management, leaving them to consider alternative candidates as the search progresses.

Source: goal.com