Italy in talks with Guardiola to replace Gattuso as head coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held direct talks with Pep Guardiola as it seeks a new head coach to replace Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. According to Sky Italia, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona and spent several days presenting their long‑term project for the Azzurri in an attempt to persuade Guardiola to take the job.

Guardiola, 55, is a free agent after ending his 10‑year spell at Manchester City in May 2026, during which he won 20 trophies and posted a 70.8% win rate. He has repeatedly said he wants a break from the relentless demands of club football and more time with his family, but he has also expressed openness to international management as a different kind of challenge with a less gruelling schedule. Italy’s approach tests whether that balance is enough to lure him back so soon.

The FIGC installed Maldini and Leonardo as part of a wider overhaul after Italy’s third successive World Cup qualifying failure, having won Euro 2020 (2021) under Roberto Mancini. Alongside Guardiola, other candidates being considered include former Italy coaches Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, while Antonio Conte and others have also been mentioned in earlier reports. No agreement has been reached, and it remains unclear whether Guardiola is ready to return to management at this stage.

The job would come with immediate pressure and high‑profile fixtures. Italy’s next matches include Nations League games against Belgium, Turkey and France starting in September, followed by the crucial task of securing qualification for Euro 2028, which will be hosted in the UK and Ireland. For a coach who has conquered club football, the prospect of rebuilding a four‑time World Cup winner now ranked outside the top 15 could be an attractive “uncharted territory” project.

Guardiola’s links to England add another layer of interest. It was widely reported in 2024 that he had reached a verbal understanding with the FA to succeed Gareth Southgate, before changing his mind and staying at City; Thomas Tuchel was then appointed and has since extended his contract to Euro 2028. While some in England, including Wayne Rooney, have suggested the FA should “go and get” Guardiola if available, his current focus appears to be on Italy’s overture and whether an international role fits his desire for rest and family time.