Italy have reportedly opened talks with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over becoming the next head coach of the national team following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.
According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, officials from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), led by technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, recently met Guardiola in Barcelona as they search for a new manager.
The 55-year-old has been out of coaching since leaving Manchester City in May after a successful 10-year spell in England.
Italy consider Guardiola return
Guardiola is among several candidates being considered for the role, alongside former Italy internationals Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
If appointed, the Spaniard would become only the second foreign coach to manage Italy and the first non-Italian to take charge of the Azzurri since the 1960s.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is familiar with Italian football, having played for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003. He also speaks fluent Italian.
Italy are rebuilding after another disappointing cycle, having failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their immediate focus is preparing for the UEFA Nations League and qualifying for Euro 2028.
England speculation dismissed
The reports have also sparked fresh discussion over whether England could make another move for Guardiola despite Thomas Tuchel remaining in charge.
Tuchel recently guided England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, the country’s best performance at the tournament since winning the title in 1966.
Although the German has faced criticism following the semi-final defeat to Argentina, he continues to enjoy the backing of the Football Association.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney recently suggested Guardiola would be the only realistic alternative if England ever decided to replace Tuchel.
“I don’t think there’s anyone out there who’s as good as Thomas Tuchel, unless Guardiola,” Rooney said.
Guardiola previously admitted he needed time away from football after leaving Manchester City, saying: “I am so tired.”
“It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that’s for sure.”
Whether that break ends with Italy remains to be seen, but the four-time world champions appear hopeful to secure one of football’s most successful managers.