The Condition for Pep Guardiola to Become Italy's Head Coach
The rebuilding process for Italy has officially begun.
Following another disappointing cycle, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is searching for the manager who will lead the national team into a new era with its sights set on UEFA Euro 2028 and, above all, the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The objective is clear: restore the Azzurri to the level that has historically made them one of world football's elite nations.
The sporting decline has been dramatic. Since lifting the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Italy has failed to advance beyond the group stage in a World Cup and then missed qualification for Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and United States, Mexico, and Canada 2026. It is an astonishing downturn for a nation that owns four World Cup titles and has long been regarded as one of football's greatest powers.
Pep Guardiola Is Italy's Dream Appointment
In an effort to change the country's fortunes, the Italian Football Federation appointed legendary defender Paolo Maldini as sporting director, while federation president Giovanni Malagò has taken charge of the search for the next head coach.
The name at the top of the shortlist is Pep Guardiola.
For several years, the Catalan manager has publicly expressed his desire to coach a national team and compete in a major international tournament. That ambition has fueled optimism within the Italian federation, which is reportedly prepared to make a significant financial commitment to persuade him to take charge of the Azzurri.
"It is not certain that these talks with Pep will reach a successful conclusion, but we believed it was the right thing to do to open a dialogue and keep it alive," Giovanni Malagò said during the Cronache di Spogliatoio podcast.
The biggest obstacle remains financial.
At Manchester City, Guardiola reportedly earns between €23 million and €24 million per season, a figure that is virtually impossible for a national federation to match. Even so, Italy is believed to be willing to offer a contract worth more than €10 million annually, which would make him one of the highest-paid national team coaches in the world, surpassing the reported salary of Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil.
What Could Pep Bring to the Azzurri?
Hiring Guardiola would represent much more than a blockbuster appointment—it could completely redefine Italy's football identity.
For decades, the Azzurri built their reputation on defensive excellence, tactical discipline, and ruthless efficiency. However, modern football increasingly rewards teams capable of controlling possession, pressing aggressively, and dictating matches through proactive play.
Those qualities have defined Pep Guardiola's coaching career.
With FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, the Spanish manager transformed modern football through positional play, relentless pressing after losing possession, and quick, intelligent ball circulation. His tactical philosophy has influenced coaches across every major league in the world.
Combined with Italy's traditional tactical intelligence and a promising new generation of players, Guardiola's methods could provide the evolution the national team needs to return to competing for major international trophies.
He Is Not the Only Candidate
Although Pep Guardiola remains the federation's preferred choice, the Italian Football Federation continues to evaluate other candidates.
Among the leading alternatives are Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and Andrea Pirlo, along with several additional names that have not been publicly disclosed.
Time is becoming a major factor.
In September, Italy will begin another UEFA Nations League campaign before turning its attention to qualification for UEFA Euro 2028, the first major step toward building a team capable of challenging for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Final Decision Belongs to Guardiola
Ultimately, everything depends on Pep Guardiola.
Multiple reports across Europe indicate that the Spanish coach would like to take a sabbatical after his spell with Manchester City, just as he did after leaving FC Barcelona before beginning his successful tenure at Bayern Munich.
That possibility makes any immediate agreement significantly more difficult.
For now, Italy continues to pursue the manager widely regarded as one of the greatest tactical innovators in football history.
The willingness to negotiate appears to exist on both sides, but financial realities and Guardiola's personal plans remain the biggest obstacles.
The Azzurri have already made the first move.
Now, the next one belongs to Pep Guardiola.
