The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has taken a bold step by sitting down with Pep Guardiola in an effort to persuade him to become the head coach of the Azzurri. Officials from the federation, including former Milan legend Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo, spent three days in Barcelona outlining a long‑term vision for the national side and indicating that they are prepared to make an "exceptional" alteration to their financial plan in order to bring the Spanish tactician on board. During the meetings, Maldini and Leonardo presented a comprehensive blueprint that goes far beyond a simple coaching contract.
In the FIGC’s new strategic framework, Guardiola would serve as the centerpiece of an "Azzurro project" aimed at rebuilding Italian football from the ground up. The plan envisions a complete overhaul not only of the senior team but also of all youth levels, with the goal of establishing a unified playing philosophy, modern training methods, and a more efficient talent pipeline. This ambition comes after Italy’s shocking failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup, a setback that has prompted a sweeping restructuring of the federation’s leadership. Italian FA president Giovanni Malagò told Sky Sports Italy that the organization is willing to stretch its budget in ways that would normally be considered out of bounds.
"In the short to medium term, saying we need to tighten our belts is an understatement," he said. "However, exceptions have been made, which may concern the name that is so dominant these days." The "exception" in question is the financial package that would be offered to Guardiola, which is expected to be significantly higher than the standard remuneration for a national team coach.
The FIGC believes that investing heavily now could pay dividends by restoring Italy’s status as a football powerhouse. Guardiola, who left Manchester City after a decade‑long tenure that yielded 20 trophies and a win rate of 70.8 per cent, is currently a free agent.
He announced his departure from the Etihad in a press conference where he emphasized his desire to step back from the daily grind of club management and spend more time with his family. "No plans for coaching for a while.
I need to step back," he said, adding that he wanted to pursue personal goals and be present for his father and children. While his statements suggest a hiatus, they also leave the door open for a different kind of challenge—one that does not demand the relentless week‑in‑week‑out schedule of a top‑flight club. In the context of international football, Guardiola has hinted that a national‑team role could be appealing.
In a 2024 interview with chef Dani García, he remarked, "What I'm not going to do is leave Manchester City and go to another country to do the same thing as I am now. I wouldn't have the energy to do so. Maybe a national team, but that's different." This sentiment aligns with the FIGC’s pitch: a position that would allow him to work with a select group of players during international windows, thereby granting him the work‑life balance he seeks while still satisfying his competitive instincts. Other names have been floated for the job, including former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, but the federation appears to be putting its weight behind the Guardiola option.
The appointment of Maldini and Leonardo themselves was part of a larger shake‑up triggered by Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive major tournaments after their Euro 2021 triumph under Mancini. Their mandate includes finding a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after the recent qualification disappointment. If Guardiola were to accept, the implications would be far‑reaching. He would bring a tactical philosophy built on possession, pressing, and positional play that has transformed clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
Applying those principles to a national side would require adjustments—players have less time together, and the talent pool is limited to those eligible for Italy—but the potential upside is immense. A successful transition could see Italy re‑emerge as a dominant force in European and world football, perhaps even challenging for a World Cup title, a scenario that many fans now consider a distant dream. Guardiola’s track record also adds weight to the proposition.
Over ten years at Manchester City, he amassed 20 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups. His ability to adapt his style to different leagues and cultures suggests he could navigate the unique challenges of international management, such as integrating players from Serie A, Serie B, and the diaspora, while fostering a cohesive identity. The financial aspect remains a critical factor.
The FIGC has indicated that it is prepared to make "exceptional" budgetary changes, which likely means reallocating funds from other projects or seeking additional sponsorships to cover the heightened salary and support staff costs associated with Guardiola’s appointment. This willingness reflects the federation’s desperation to reverse the recent decline and its belief that a high‑profile coach could accelerate the rebuilding process. In summary, the Italian Football Federation is actively courting Pep Guardiola, offering him a role that could reshape the nation’s footballing landscape. By proposing a substantial budget adjustment and presenting a visionary "Azzurro project," the FIGC hopes to persuade the world‑renowned manager to take on the challenge of leading Italy on the international stage.
Whether Guardiola will accept remains to be seen, but the overture underscores Italy’s determination to restore its former glory and re‑establish itself among the elite of world football.