Guardiola in reported talks with Italy – would England come calling?
According to Italian media, Pep Guardiola has discussed the possibility of becoming Italy's national team head coach. Meanwhile, questions arise whether the English FA might try to lure him after Thomas Tuchel's criticized World Cup performance.
Pep Guardiola, currently without a job after a decade at Manchester City, may return to football sooner than expected. Sky in Italy reported that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with the former City boss to try to convince him to become their new national team head coach.
Legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor Leonardo reportedly travelled to Barcelona and spoke with Guardiola over three days. If Guardiola takes the job, he would be only the second non-Italian to lead the national team, and the first since the 1960s.
Guardiola, a fluent Italian speaker who played in Serie A for Brescia and Roma, is an obvious candidate. Italy have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, and after missing out on the 2026 tournament following a play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Gennaro Gattuso left his post in April.
But if Guardiola is available, could the English Football Association make an approach? England finished third in the World Cup, but manager Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticised for his defensive substitutions in the semi-final loss to Argentina. Former England captain Wayne Rooney suggested the FA might "go and get" Guardiola if he is available. "I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
The FA approached Guardiola before appointing Tuchel, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement was in place, but Guardiola stayed at City. Now, after Guardiola tearfully said goodbye to City fans and admitted he is "so tired" and needs to "step back", international football – without the day-to-day intensity of club football – could be the perfect way back.
Guardiola's first task would be to secure qualification for Euro 2028, but the immediate challenge is a Nations League match against Belgium on 25 September. Italy are also drawn with Turkey and France in their group, meaning a busy schedule from September to November.
