Italy Targets Pep Guardiola as Next National Team Head Coach
Pep Guardiola has emerged as the Italian Football Federation's top candidate to become the next Italy head coach. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo reportedly met with the Spaniard in Barcelona, although his ongoing sabbatical remains the biggest obstacle.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly taken a significant step in its pursuit of Pep Guardiola, with the former Manchester City manager meeting Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona to discuss the possibility of becoming Italy's next head coach.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the talks extended beyond a brief meeting and may have continued throughout the weekend, further fueling speculation over Guardiola's future.
Guardiola Tops Italy's Wishlist
Rumors intensified after photos of Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona surfaced on social media. It later emerged that the pair had traveled to Spain specifically to present Guardiola with the opportunity to lead the Azzurri into a new era.
The FIGC reportedly views the Catalan coach as its preferred candidate to oversee the national team's rebuilding process following a disappointing international cycle.
Sabbatical Remains the Biggest Obstacle
Despite Italy's ambitious approach, Guardiola has repeatedly stated that he intends to enjoy the sabbatical he began after leaving Manchester City.
"Mentally, I don't miss football at all. I started coaching at 37 and my entire life has been connected to football. Now I want to discover life, to be happy doing things that have nothing to do with football."
The 55-year-old also explained that his decision is driven by personal priorities.
"I'm trying to figure out what my life will look like. I decided to stop because I want to take better care of myself. I want to spend more time with my children and with my father, who is 95 years old and is still with us. I'm not young anymore, and the way you see life changes. I'm still adapting to this new stage, but it's going very well."
Italy Considering Alternative Candidates
While Guardiola remains Italy's dream appointment, the FIGC is also evaluating other options to fill the vacant position.
Former Italy head coach Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo have both been linked with the role, while recent reports suggest that Antonio Conte has also emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Azzurri.
Guardiola's reputation continues to attract interest from other major national teams as well. Following England's disappointing World Cup campaign, several former players and pundits have identified the Spanish coach as a potential successor to Thomas Tuchel as manager of the Three Lions.
For now, Guardiola's future will depend on whether he decides to end his sabbatical or continue enjoying the break from coaching that he has repeatedly described as both necessary and fulfilling.
