Former Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini has questioned whether Pep Guardiolas footballing DNA marries up with that of the Azzurri. Guardiola has held talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regarding the vacant head coach job and, although there is no agreement yet, the possibility of former Manchester City boss Guardiola making a swift return to football remains.Italy won Euro 2020 but have failed to reach the last three World Cups as they struggle to find an identity.Guardiola would provide that but Albertini is not convinced the Spaniards possession-heavy philosophy would necessarily work in Italy, given it is not taught in academies from a young age.He told AS: About Pep Guardiola, what to say We are talking about one of the greatest, without a doubt. But you have to be convinced that you can work here [in Italy]. You must understand if your philosophy can marry up.Lets see Italy, its DNA, differs from Spain in the way it interprets soccer. We have to implement a pathway for our young talents. I think that, in Italy, today, it is not designed. In Spain, with its unique style, yes. You cant change the DNA.Table of ContentsItaly can achieve success in other ways AlbertiniYouth needs to be given a chance in ItalyItaly can achieve success in other ways AlbertiniGuardiola is on an FIGC shortlist that also contains Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte and Andre Pirlo.And Albertini, who is a former FIGC vice-president, insists Italy can still achieve success even if Guardiola is not appointed.He added: We are talking about a national team coach, not a club coach. Its not the same. Sometimes, there are many diverse philosophies that can work very well in international football. We dont have a philosophical journey like the Spanish one, but we do have four World Cups and two European Championships.Soccer is wonderful because it brings you closer to victory in different ways. If we think about the final of the World Cup, if we had reached penalties Who says that Argentina would not have won, even if it had played differently. The diversity of interpretation of the game is enormous. And, yes, you may like one or the other more.Youth needs to be given a chance in ItalyAlbertini suggested the national team would struggle irrespective of the coach until the mindset of overlooking young players changed.Do you know how many Spanish champions at the last World Cup played in the reserves? he asked. I think 22 out of 26. If we go back, to 2010, more than 20 again. In short, about 90%. Rodri, for example, do you know how many games he played in the reserves (Villarreal B)? More than 40. We are talking about the Spain captain, Ballon dOr. That is a training process.Today few Italian footballers are prepared to compete in Serie A. Very few. Few clubs have the courage to bet on local talents. So they will never be able to mature or reach higher levels. Potential is slowed down.In Spain, a 17-year-old talent has opportunities to prove who he is. They immediately make him play with the older players. They give him options. One after another. Today, in my country, there are no 17- or 18-year-olds in Serie A. Not even on the bench. Topics Italy National Football Team Pep Guardiola Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Italy: Exceptions being made to try to lure Guardiola to Azzurri job Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Guardiola holds talks with Italy and considers swift return to football management Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 England manager favourite Guardiola reveals what would tempt him back: I have a real connection with the UK Ben Miller 17th July, 2026 Enzo Maresca: Man City confirm former Chelsea manager will succeed Pep Guardiola at 10-time Premier League champions Mitch Fretton 29th June, 2026 International round-up: Denmark game abandoned ater Eriksen collapse as Italy and Norway also in action Mitch Fretton 7th June, 2026 The best XI of players missing the 2026 World Cup Mitch Fretton 4th June, 2026
