Italy considers Pep Guardiola as national team coach, salary ‘exception’ possible

By Bilal Ahmed

By Bilal Ahmed — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

Italian Federation pursues Guardiola

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant head coach position for the national team. These talks aim to persuade him to take on the role, with the FIGC reportedly prepared to make an “exceptional” adjustment to their budget to secure his appointment. Officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola in Barcelona over three days, outlining their vision for the national team’s future.

The proposed role for Guardiola extends beyond a typical coaching position. The FIGC envisions him as a central figure in an ‘Azzurro project’, a comprehensive overhaul intended to rebuild Italian football from its foundations. This project would encompass not only the senior national team but also all other national teams. Guardiola, who recently concluded a 10-year association with Manchester City, is currently a free agent.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian FA, indicated that while budget tightening is generally necessary, exceptions can be made for a prominent name like Guardiola. The discussions with the former Manchester City manager occurred after Gennaro Gattuso departed from the role in April, following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup. Other candidates reportedly considered for the position include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.

Public opinion and Guardiola’s past statements

Public opinion polls suggest that Pep Guardiola is the most favoured choice among supporters for the national team head coach role. A poll conducted by La Gazzetta dello Sport indicated that 34% of respondents selected Guardiola as their first choice. Among those who regularly watch football, this figure rose to 40%. In the same poll, Antonio Conte was the second most popular option at 19%, while both Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini received 17% of the votes.

Guardiola has previously stated his intention to take a break from football after leaving Manchester City, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. He mentioned in a press conference that he felt he would not have the energy for the daily demands of club management. However, he has also expressed interest in international management, noting that it differs from the continuous process of club coaching.

In 2024, Guardiola reportedly had a verbal agreement to become the England manager, but he ultimately decided to remain at Manchester City. Thomas Tuchel was subsequently appointed to the England role. Guardiola’s interest in international management stems from the challenge it presents and the potential for a different work-life balance compared to club football.

Maldini’s role and the future of Italian football

The appointment of Paolo Maldini as the new technical director of the FIGC and President of Club Italia, assisted by Leonardo, followed a significant shake-up in Italian football. This restructuring came after the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Maldini’s immediate priority is to identify a new head coach for the men’s national team.

Public sentiment towards Maldini’s appointment is largely positive, with 61% of supporters interviewed expressing a positive opinion. The ‘Azzurro project’ aims to address the shortcomings that led to Italy’s absence from recent major tournaments since their European Championships win in 2021 under Roberto Mancini. The FIGC is awaiting Guardiola’s response to their offer.

The federation’s efforts highlight a strategic move to revitalise Italian football, with a strong emphasis on securing a high-profile manager like Guardiola to lead the national team’s rebuilding efforts.

Source: skysports.com