Italy Make Shock Move for Pep Guardiola After World Cup DisasterThe Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched an ambitious bid to appoint Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the Italian na

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched an ambitious bid to appoint Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the Italian national team following the country's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Sky Sports Italy, newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, accompanied by advisor Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona for a series of meetings with Guardiola in an effort to persuade the legendary coach to take charge of the Azzurri.

The discussions reportedly lasted three days, during which the Italian delegation presented their long-term vision for rebuilding one of football's most historic national teams.

Italy searching for a fresh start

The move comes after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down as Italy manager following the nation's shock failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Italy's recent decline has been remarkable. Despite lifting the UEFA European Championship in 2021 under Roberto Mancini, the four-time world champions have since endured one of the darkest periods in their history, missing three major international tournaments in succession.

Determined to reverse that decline, the FIGC recently appointed Maldini and Leonardo to oversee a complete restructuring of Italian football, with finding a world-class head coach becoming their top priority.

While Guardiola is now their preferred candidate, former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and ex-midfielder Andrea Pirlo also remain under consideration should negotiations fail.

Guardiola enters a new chapter

For the first time in over a decade, Guardiola is available after bringing his remarkable 10-year spell at Manchester City to an end this summer.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the Spanish manager transformed City into one of the greatest club sides of the modern era, winning 20 major trophies and posting an extraordinary 70.8% win rate.

His departure marked the end of one of football's most successful managerial eras, with Guardiola leaving as arguably the most influential coach of his generation.

Would Guardiola accept?

Although Italy are making serious efforts to convince him, Guardiola has repeatedly insisted that he intends to step away from coaching for a period after leaving Manchester City.

Speaking before his departure, the 55-year-old admitted he wanted to spend more time with his family after years of relentless pressure in club football.

"I need to step back. I won't coach for a while," Guardiola said.

He also explained that he wanted to enjoy time with his father and children before considering another challenge.

However, Guardiola has never hidden his fascination with international football.

In previous interviews, he admitted that managing a national team appeals to him far more than taking charge of another club, saying the reduced day-to-day workload offers a completely different experience.

"Maybe a national team, but that's different," Guardiola previously said.

Why Italy believe Guardiola is the perfect fit

For many observers, international football could offer Guardiola the perfect balance between continuing his coaching career and enjoying more personal time.

Instead of the constant demands of club management, he would work with players only during international windows while preparing Italy for the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

More importantly, Guardiola would inherit one of football's proudest nations at a moment when it desperately needs rebuilding.

If he accepted the role, it would represent one of the biggest managerial appointments in international football history—and perhaps the greatest challenge of Guardiola's career.

A decision that could reshape international football

At this stage, no agreement has been reached, and Guardiola has yet to indicate whether he is prepared to return to coaching so soon after leaving Manchester City.

Nevertheless, Italy's approach signals just how determined the federation is to restore the Azzurri to football's elite after years of disappointment.

Should Guardiola ultimately accept, he would become the first foreign coach to lead Italy and would immediately face the enormous task of guiding one of world football's sleeping giants back to the top of the international game.