Italy hold talks with Pep Guardiola as FIGC target former Manchester City boss

Italy hold talks with Pep Guardiola as FIGC target former Manchester City boss The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have reportedly stepped up their search for a new national team manager by holding talks with Pep Guardiola over the vacant Italy job. According to reports in Italy, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola and present their vision for the Azzurri’s future. The discussions are understood to have lasted several days, with the federation outlining its long-term project as it attempts to persuade one of football’s most decorated coaches to take charge. No agreement has yet been reached, and it remains unclear whether Guardiola is prepared to return to management so soon after leaving Manchester City. The Spaniard became a free agent earlier this summer after bringing a remarkable 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium to an end. During his time in Manchester, Guardiola transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant clubs, winning six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups and numerous domestic honours. His departure came after repeatedly stating he wanted to take a break from football and spend more time with his family. “I need to step back,” Guardiola said before leaving City. “I will not coach for a while.” However, international football has long been viewed as a role that could tempt the 55-year-old back into the dugout. Guardiola previously acknowledged that managing a national team appealed to him because of the different rhythm compared to club football, where daily training and an intense fixture schedule demand constant attention. Italy are hoping that prospect proves attractive as they attempt to rebuild after another disappointing cycle. The federation recently underwent significant restructuring, appointing Maldini to oversee football operations following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Gennaro Gattuso subsequently departed as head coach, leaving the four-time world champions searching for a manager capable of restoring their status among the game’s elite nations. Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo have also been linked with the position should the pursuit of Guardiola prove unsuccessful. Landing Guardiola would represent one of the biggest managerial appointments in international football. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach has never managed a national side despite previously expressing an interest in experiencing international football before the end of his career. Whether he is ready to abandon his planned sabbatical remains the biggest obstacle facing the FIGC. For now, Italy’s hierarchy have made their intentions clear by opening discussions with one of the most successful managers in football history, although convincing Guardiola to return to coaching may prove the toughest challenge of all.