Italian Football Federation holds talks with Pep Guardiola about replacing Gennaro Gattuso as head coach
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has engaged in discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the head coach position for the national team. These talks follow Gennaro Gattuso‘s departure from the role in April, after Italy did not qualify for the recent World Cup tournament.
According to reports, Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor, Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona to meet with the former Manchester City manager. The discussions reportedly spanned three days, during which they presented their vision for the Italian national team.
Guardiola recently concluded a decade-long tenure with Manchester City, where he secured trophies. His time at the club ended with a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. Following his departure from Manchester City, Guardiola indicated he would take a break from coaching, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
He stated during his final Manchester City press conference that he would not coach for a while, explaining, “I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title.” He further added, “There are things that I have not done that I want to do. I still have my father alive. I want to spend more time with him. My kids… And a lot of things as a human being I can do.”
Despite Guardiola’s stated intention for a break, the FIGC is actively pursuing him for the national team role. Other individuals reportedly considered for the position include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
The FIGC’s efforts to find a new coach are part of a significant restructuring within Italian football. This overhaul comes after Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, a period that includes missing out on the tournament in North America.
Guardiola has previously expressed that international management presents a different kind of challenge compared to club football. In a 2024 interview, he mentioned, “What I’m not going to do is leave Manchester City and go to another country to do the same thing as I am now.” He elaborated, “Maybe a national team, but that’s different.”
One report suggests that the initial conversation between Guardiola and the Italian Football Federation was brief, lasting “barely one minute,” due to his intention to take time off. Guardiola has also reportedly been contacted by three other national teams.
The Spaniard’s coaching career includes successful stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before his decade with Manchester City. His achievements at City include winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble during the 2022-23 season.
Italy, a nation with four World Cup titles, has not qualified for the last two tournaments. The national team’s managerial position is currently vacant.
In 2024, there were reports of Guardiola having a verbal agreement with the FA to become the new England boss, replacing Gareth Southgate. However, he ultimately chose to remain in Manchester, and Thomas Tuchel was appointed, leading England to their best World Cup finish on foreign soil. Tuchel’s contract with England extends until the end of Euro 2028.
Guardiola’s interest in international management has been noted, suggesting it could offer a different professional path after achieving significant success in club football. The FIGC’s discussions with Guardiola represent a concrete attempt to bring him into the national team setup.
Guardiola’s Post-City Plans
Following his departure from Manchester City, Guardiola made it clear he intended to step away from coaching for a period. He emphasized the demanding nature of club management and his desire for personal time.
During his final press conference with Manchester City, Guardiola articulated his decision, stating, “No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while.” He highlighted the energy required to consistently compete for titles, indicating he felt he would not possess that energy in the immediate future.
He also spoke about personal aspirations, mentioning, “I’m fortunate I can decide, that’s why I took this decision.” This sentiment underscores his desire to pursue activities outside of professional football for a time.
Italy’s Search for a New Direction
The Italian Football Federation’s pursuit of Guardiola is part of a broader effort to revitalize the national team after a challenging period. The failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups has prompted significant changes within the footballing body.
The appointments of Paolo Maldini as technical director and Leonardo as his advisor are key components of this restructuring. Their primary task has been to identify a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who left his post after Italy’s recent World Cup qualification setback.
Italy’s last major international success was winning the European Championships in 2021 under Roberto Mancini. Since then, the team has not qualified for the last three major tournaments, highlighting the urgency of the current search for a new head coach.
International Management as a New Challenge
Guardiola’s past comments suggest an openness to international management, viewing it as distinct from the daily grind of club football. This perspective could make the Italian national team role an appealing prospect, despite his stated desire for a break.
He noted in an interview that he would not have the energy to replicate his club coaching intensity in another country. However, he distinguished this from a potential role with a national team, implying a different level of commitment and engagement.
The FIGC’s detailed project, explained to Guardiola over three days, aims to convince him that leading the Italian national team offers a compelling new challenge in his illustrious coaching career. The discussions with Guardiola took place recently.
Source: skysports.com
