Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterPep Guardiola has spoken to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about becoming their next national team head coach.Reports claim that Guardiola is seen as the man to turn around the Italians' fortunes, after they failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.Whether or not Guardiola wants the job remains to be seen, but the ex-Manchester City man is reportedly top of the list.The Italian Football Federation is desperate to turn around the team's fortunesSky Italy are claiming that a contingent, including the new Italian Football Federation's technical director Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo have flown to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola.Talks were held over a three day period, suggesting that Guardiola hasn't flat out rejected the approach. You may like Who will Pep Guardiola manage next? The leading contenders to hire Manchester City head coach Manchester City in talks with Enzo Maresca - though Italian has 'commitments' to Chelsea: report Manchester City manager appointment imminent after secret Pep Guardiola talks revealed Maldini and Leonardo are part of a big shake up by the FIGC to bring success back to Italy, who have failed to qualify for a World Cup since 2014.They have immediately identified Guardiola as the man who can get their country's football team back on track.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.After winning the Euros in 2021, Italy have had a difficult five years, after they were knocked out of the 2024 Euros by Switzerland.Guardiola isn't the only man on their list to replace former boss Gennaro Gattuso, however.Reports claim that Roberto Mancini, the man who masterminded their 2021 success, is also an option.Andrea Pirlo is another potential option for the role.Guardiola would take some persuading to take the role, given that he told Sky Sports he had "no plans for coaching for a while" and said: "I need to step back."However, he has previously shown an openness to taking on an international position, reportedly agreeing to take over as England boss after Gareth Southgate's departure.TOPICSItalyWorld CupEuro 2028Ryan GraySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterRyan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names.
