Pep Guardiola, 55, has held talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about becoming Italy's new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April 2026 after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Guardiola left Manchester City in May 2026 after a decade, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League three times across all clubs he coached [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. After stepping down, the 55-year-old has expressed interest in coaching a national team at a major tournament before retirement [6].
Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago, elected in June 2026, confirmed that financial "exceptions" to usual salary limits could be made to accommodate Guardiola's demands. "[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said. He cautioned, "it is not certain that this thing will go through," adding the talks were brief and the club manager may want a sabbatical [1, 5, 6].
Guardiola speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A with Brescia and Roma from 2001 to 2003, which boosts his appeal for the role [1, 5]. Other candidates reportedly include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, though Malago stressed these are not the only options under consideration. "If we're considering a certain profile, these names certainly fall within the scope," Malago said [1, 3, 6].
Malago noted Italian football is at a low point following recent failures in European club competitions and World Cup qualification, emphasizing the need for decisive leadership [2, 4, 5].
Italy is scheduled to face Belgium in the Nations League on September 25, 2026, which could come under the leadership of the new coach [5]. Talks with Guardiola and other candidates are expected to continue in the coming weeks as FIGC seeks to finalize the appointment.
