The Big Obstacle for Italy to Sign Pep Guardiola
The Italian national team is going through one of the most delicate moments in its recent history. After missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time, the Italian Football Federation is looking to begin a deep rebuild to return the “Azzurra” to international prominence. In the middle of that search, one name stands out as the dream target: Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City manager represents the ideal profile for many within Italian football. His style, leadership, and ability to transform teams make him one of the most sought-after coaches in the world. However, there is a major obstacle that complicates any potential negotiation: his salary.
Currently, Pep Guardiola earns around €24 million per season, a figure far beyond what the Italian federation typically pays a national team coach.
The financial gap is significant. To put it into perspective, Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, had a salary close to €3 million per year. This highlights the enormous difference between the federation’s financial capabilities and the contractual demands of the Catalan manager.
The Emotional Factor and His Ties to Italy
Even so, there is still hope within Italy.
One factor that could bring Pep Guardiola closer to the Azzurri bench is his expressed desire to manage a national team. The Spaniard has publicly acknowledged that he would like to experience a FIFA World Cup or a UEFA European Championship from the sidelines.
In an interview given a few years ago, Pep Guardiola said: “I would like to experience a World Cup, a European Championship, or a Copa América. I don’t know when, but I want to live that experience.”
In addition, Pep Guardiola has a special connection with Italy. During his playing career, he wore the shirts of Brescia and AS Roma, experiences that marked an important stage of his career.
His time in Serie A allowed him to learn the language, understand Italian football culture, and build meaningful connections within the country. On several occasions, he has even left the door open to managing in Italy one day.
Another element that could play a role is his relationship with historical figures in Italian football. Pep Guardiola maintains a good friendship with Roberto Baggio, who has been involved in restructuring projects within the federation.
A Nearly Impossible Financial Challenge
There is also a commercial component that could help bridge the gap: sports brands.
Puma, a brand with which Pep Guardiola has a commercial relationship, had long-standing ties with the Italian national team before Adidas took over as the official sponsor. Some believe that a strong commercial partnership could help build a project capable of financing part of the coach’s high cost.
Although this scenario seems complex, it remains a possible alternative for some observers.
Leonardo Bonucci has also recently voiced his support for the idea. The former Italian defender stated that Pep Guardiola would be the ideal coach to lead the national team’s revival.
“I would try to go for him. It won’t be easy, but dreaming costs nothing,” he said.
And that is precisely the key point: the dream exists, but the main problem remains financial.
Italy has other options on the table, but Pep Guardiola continues to be the top target. The issue is that, to bring him to Coverciano, the federation would have to completely break its financial limits and commit to a historic investment.
