Pep Guardiola has reportedly become a leading candidate to take charge of the Italy national team just weeks after ending his trophy-laden spell as Manchester City manager.
According to reports in Italy, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has added Guardiola to its shortlist as it searches for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup. Gattuso has since taken over as Lazio head coach.
Guardiola is reportedly being considered alongside two familiar faces in Italian football—former national team managers Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who guided the Azzurri to UEFA Euro 2020 glory.
Italy have already begun reshaping their football structure following another qualifying disappointment. Legendary former captain Paolo Maldini has accepted the role of FIGC technical director and president of the technical sector after deciding against moving directly into management. Reports suggest Maldini is playing a key role in identifying the next national team coach.
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season after a remarkable decade at the Etihad Stadium.
During his time in England, the Spaniard transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant forces, winning six Premier League titles and delivering the club’s first UEFA Champions League trophy as part of a historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign. Former assistant Enzo Maresca has since succeeded him as City manager.
Although Guardiola has not publicly committed to his next job, he has previously suggested that international football could appeal to him.
In a 2024 interview, the 55-year-old said he had no desire to leave Manchester City for another club and repeat the same cycle elsewhere. Instead, he admitted that managing a national team represented a different kind of challenge and was something he would consider in the future.
If Guardiola were appointed, it would mark a rare moment in Italian football history.
Only one non-Italian has previously managed the Azzurri, with Argentine-born Helenio Herrera sharing coaching duties alongside Ferruccio Valcareggi during the 1960s. Guardiola would become just the second foreign coach to lead the four-time world champions.
Italy’s next competitive fixtures come in the UEFA Nations League later this year, when they face Belgium, although the federation has yet to announce when a permanent replacement for Gattuso will be appointed.
