Pep Guardiola has started talks to become Italy's coach

Why it matters

The possibility that Pep Guardiola becomes the new coach of the Italian national team is of fundamental importance for the future of football in Italy. After the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the FIGC is under pressure to find a coach capable of bringing the team back to the top of international football. Guardiola, with his experience and successes at Manchester City, could have a significant impact on the season and team morale.

Context

Pep Guardiola recently concluded a successful decade at Manchester City, where he won numerous trophies, including the Champions League. His international experience and his innovative approach to the game could represent a turning point for the Italian national team, which seeks to recover after recent disappointments.

Key points

  • Pep Guardiola has started talks to become Italy's coach.
  • Pep Guardiola has spoken about the possibility of becoming Italy's coach after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Pep Guardiola has held talks over Italy head coach job, says Italian FA chief - The Athletic.
Pep Guardiola has started talks to take on the role of coach of the Italian national team, according to what was declared by the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago. After the failure of the Italian national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, following the defeat on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs, both coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina left their positions. Gianluigi Buffon, former Italy goalkeeper and captain, has also left his role as head of the FIGC delegation. It is the third consecutive time that Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup, a result that has raised many concerns in the world of Italian football. Giovanni Malago, former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee, was named Gravina's successor last June and has begun the search for the national team's next coach, with Guardiola among the names being considered. The Spanish manager left Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season after ten successful years, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the Champions League. Guardiola was replaced by Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager. Image Malago confirmed that talks with Guardiola had taken place, but also warned that they may not lead to anything concrete. Responding to a question about the possibility of hiring a big name as the team's next manager, Malago told Cronache di Spogliatoio: "Some exceptions have been made – exceptions which, for example, may concern the name that currently occupies the front pages: Pep Guardiola. Exceptions for obvious reasons which I will not go into here, but it is not certain that this will materialise. I believe, however, that it was right to open a dialogue and keep it alive." Malago also stressed that this is not a disrespect towards other candidates, as discussions regarding other potential coaches have already begun. Someone might be chosen who, by generation, belongs to a more recent school of thought – however a subjective approach. Guardiola is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of football, having won twelve championship titles in different experiences with City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Although he never managed an international team in his eighteen-year senior coaching career, he had stated shortly before his City exit that he planned to take a break from the bench. "It's not ten years; apart from half a year in New York, it's been seventeen, eighteen years every three days, three days, three days, three days, with people demanding trebles and the Premier League, which is a disaster," he said during his last pre-match press conference in May. "I need to breathe a little and relax. I'll be gone for a while, that's my feeling right now." Italy will return to action on September 25, when they begin their Nations League campaign at home against Belgium.

What happens now

The talks between Giovanni Malago and Guardiola are just the beginning of a process that could lead to a new era for the Italian national team. However, Malago warned that there are no guarantees that these talks will result in an agreement. The FIGC will have to carefully consider the options available and the potential impact of Guardiola's hiring on the team and its future season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason why Pep Guardiola is in negotiations with the FIGC?

Pep Guardiola has started talks to become the coach of the Italian national team after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

What is the impact of Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup?

The failure to qualify is the third in a row for Italy, raising significant concerns in the world of Italian football.

Who left their position after the defeat in the European playoffs?

After the penalty defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina left their roles.

What successes has Pep Guardiola achieved with Manchester City?

Pep Guardiola won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the Champions League during his time at Manchester City.

Who replaced Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager?

Pep Guardiola was replaced by Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager, after leaving Manchester City.

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