Pep Guardiola eyed as Italy national team coach amid rebuilding push

After leaving Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has emerged as the frontrunner to become the head coach of Italy's national football team. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), now led by technical director Paolo Maldini and consultant Leonardo, is seeking a new manager following the team's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026) and aims to rebuild for the 2030 tournament.

Italian media, chiefly La Gazzetta dello Sport, report that Guardiola’s pedigree—titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City—makes him an attractive choice, but his former salary of about €25 million per season poses a significant financial hurdle for the federation. Other candidates being discussed include Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and former player‑coach Andrea Pirlo, but FIGC president Giovanni Malagò has said that appointing Guardiola would be a major boost for the Azzurra.

No formal negotiations have been confirmed, and the federation says the selection process will continue in the coming weeks.