Italian FA Confirms Talks with Guardiola for National Team Role

New Delhi, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN: Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy head coach, Italian Federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.

Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 successful years in England, during which time he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League. His departure marked the end of a remarkable era for both the manager and the club, as Guardiola transformed Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in Europe. His tactical acumen and ability to develop players have made him one of the most respected figures in modern .

Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third World Cup in a row. This was a significant setback for the Italian national team, which has a storied history in international , having won the World Cup four times. The absence of a head coach has left the team in a state of uncertainty as they look to rebuild and restore their reputation on the global stage.

Sky Italia first reported contact between the Italian Federation (FIGC) and the 55-year-old on Monday. The news sparked immediate interest among fans and analysts alike, as Guardiola's appointment could mark a new chapter for the Italian side. His style of play, which emphasizes possession and attacking , could be a refreshing change for a team that has traditionally been known for its defensive solidity.

In an interview with Italian digital media platform Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago confirmed talks had been held with the Spaniard and that "exceptions" could be made for his salary. This statement indicates the FIGC's willingness to invest in a high-profile manager in order to achieve success. Malago stated, "[Financial] Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola." This suggests that the federation is prepared to prioritize the appointment of a coach with a proven track record, even if it means deviating from their usual financial constraints.

"Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through," Malago added, highlighting the uncertainty that still surrounds the negotiations. This ambiguity leaves room for speculation regarding the potential challenges that may arise in finalizing Guardiola's appointment.

BBC has contacted the Italian Federation for comment, but as of now, no further details have been released regarding the negotiations or the potential timeline for a decision. The interest in Guardiola reflects a broader trend within international , where national federations are increasingly looking to appoint high-profile managers to lead their teams.

Another former Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini - who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory five years ago - and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who manages Dubai United, are also being considered for the role. Mancini's successful tenure has made him a beloved figure in Italian , and his familiarity with the team could make him a strong candidate. Meanwhile, Pirlo's experience as a player and his recent managerial stint could provide a fresh perspective, though he lacks the extensive track record of success that Guardiola and Mancini possess.

Asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo are the only candidates, Malago responded: "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category." This statement suggests that the FIGC is exploring a range of options and is not solely focused on these three individuals. The search for a head coach will likely consider various factors, including coaching philosophy, experience, and the ability to connect with players.

Italy's men's national team has been managed by an Italian throughout its history except for two occasions. Hungarian Lajos Czeizler was part of the technical committee that was in charge in the 1950s, and legendary Argentine Helenio Herrera was joint manager with Italian Ferruccio Valcareggi in the following decade. This historical context adds another layer of complexity to the potential appointment of Guardiola, as it would represent a departure from the norm for the Italian national team.

Guardiola has never managed in the country but speaks fluent Italian and spent two seasons playing in Serie A from 2001 to 2003, with two spells at Brescia and one at Roma. His familiarity with Italian could ease his transition into the role, as he would likely have a good understanding of the league's culture and style. Furthermore, his ability to communicate effectively with players could foster a positive environment within the team.

If he is named Italy head coach, it would be a quick return to management after his spell at City came to an end in May, when he said: "I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired." This statement reflects the intense pressure and demands that come with managing a top club, and it raises questions about whether Guardiola is ready to take on the challenges of international management so soon after his departure from Manchester City.

"The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other," Guardiola remarked, indicating that his time in England has left a lasting impression on him. The prospect of leading a national team like Italy could appeal to him as a new challenge, allowing him to apply his coaching philosophy on a different stage.

Guardiola's time at City followed trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. His success across different leagues has established him as one of the foremost managers in history. Should he accept the role with the Italian national team, it could lead to a significant shift in the team's dynamics and performance, as Guardiola's innovative tactics and emphasis on player development could revitalize a squad that is currently in a rebuilding phase.

In summary, the ongoing discussions between Guardiola and the Italian Federation represent a pivotal moment for both parties. For Guardiola, it could be an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the international stage, while for Italy, securing a manager with Guardiola's pedigree could be crucial in reclaiming their status as a competitive force in world . As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the outcome of these talks and the implications they hold for the future of Italian .