Pep Guardiola in Talks to Become Italy Boss as reports suggest the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has opened discussions with the former Manchester City manager about taking charge of the national team. The potential move would mark Guardiola’s return to management just months after leaving the Etihad Stadium following a remarkable decade in English football.
According to reports from Italy, FIGC officials, including new technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola and discuss the possibility of him becoming Italy’s next head coach.
The 55-year-old is considered one of the leading candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso, who left the role after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup following a play-off defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A move to Italy would be a major career decision for Guardiola, who has already achieved historic success in Spain, Germany, and England. It would also make him only the second foreign-born coach to lead the Italian national team, and the first since the 1960s
Although best known for his success at club level, Guardiola already has strong links with Italian football. The former Barcelona midfielder spent two seasons playing in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, representing Brescia and Roma.
He is also fluent in Italian, which could help him adapt quickly to the demands of managing the Azzurri.
Italy are searching for a new direction after a disappointing period. Despite winning the European Championship in 2021, the four-time world champions have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, creating pressure on the federation to rebuild the national team.
Alongside Guardiola, former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo have also been mentioned as possible candidates. However, Guardiola’s reputation and proven ability to develop winning teams make him the most attractive option.
Guardiola’s possible return has also sparked debate in England, with questions being raised over whether the Football Association could attempt to bring him in as the next England manager.
England recently finished third at the 2026 World Cup, their best performance at a men’s tournament since winning the competition in 1966. However, Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism after the Three Lions’ 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina.
Some observers questioned Tuchel’s tactical decisions, particularly his defensive changes after England took a 1-0 lead.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney suggested Guardiola would be the only manager who could tempt the FA into making a change.
“If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him,” Rooney said. “I don’t think there is anyone else out there who is better than Thomas Tuchel, unless it is Guardiola.”
The FA reportedly explored the possibility of hiring Guardiola before appointing Tuchel in 2025, but the Spaniard remained committed to Manchester City at that time.
Guardiola leaves behind one of the greatest managerial records in football history.
Across spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, he has won 12 league titles, multiple domestic trophies, and three Champions League crowns.
His time at Manchester City was particularly historic. During his 10-year spell, Guardiola delivered 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and City’s first Champions League trophy in 2023.
When he announced his departure from Manchester City, Guardiola admitted he needed time away from the pressures of elite club management.
“I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything,” he said.
Despite his emotional farewell, Guardiola insisted he was making the right decision and wanted time to recharge before considering his next challenge.
A move into international football could provide Guardiola with a different challenge and a less demanding schedule compared with club football.
Managing a national team would mean fewer matches and less of the constant pressure that comes with competing every three days for major trophies.
Italy’s first major challenge under a new manager would be preparing for Euro 2028 qualification, but Guardiola would face immediate tests, with Nations League fixtures against strong opponents including Belgium, France, and Turkey.
If he accepts the role, his first match could come at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico — a stadium where Guardiola once played during his Serie A career.
For now, Pep Guardiola in Talks to Become Italy Boss remains a developing story, but the possibility of one of football’s greatest managers taking charge of the Azzurri has already created huge excitement across Europe.