The Italian Football Federation is reportedly making a strong push to appoint Pep Guardiola as the new head coach of the national team. Federation president Giovanni Malagò confirmed holding talks with the Spanish tactician and stated that Italy has the financial capacity to hire him. According to Sky in Italy, technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo met Guardiola in Barcelona for three days to discuss a master plan to rebuild the four-time world champions.

If the 55-year-old accepts, he would become Italy’s second foreign coach and the first since the 1960s. Guardiola, who played in Serie A for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003, is fluent in Italian. Other candidates reportedly include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. Italy’s football program is in crisis after failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, most recently losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 playoff semifinals, which led to Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation.

The new coach’s main goal will be to restore Italy’s footballing pride and prepare the team for the 2028 European Championship. Italy’s next match is scheduled for September 25 in Rome against Belgium in the Nations League.