Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is under contract at Manchester City until 2027, having signed a two-year extension in November 2024. Following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and Gennaro Gattuso's resignation, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the FIGC was exploring the possibility of appointing Guardiola as Italy head coach, with a view to rebuilding the national programme towards the 2030 World Cup. The Italian federation is reported to be seeking commercial sponsors to fund what would be an extraordinary salary.

Guardiola played for Brescia and Roma during his career and speaks fluent Italian. He has previously stated a desire to manage a national team at some point. At Barcelona he won 14 trophies including two Champions Leagues, at Bayern he claimed the Bundesliga in each of his three seasons, and at Manchester City he has won six Premier League titles. He is widely considered the most decorated club manager of his era.

The FIGC's interest in Guardiola reflects both the ambition and the desperation of Italian football following three consecutive World Cup absences. Whether he would leave Manchester City mid-contract is considered unlikely by most analysts, but the Italian federation's public pursuit signals a willingness to make an unprecedented financial commitment to reset the Azzurri project. The candidacy also reflects the structural reforms being demanded inside Italian football more broadly.