Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager who left the Etihad Stadium in May after a decade of unprecedented success, is in talks to become Italy’s next head coach – but the move could reignite speculation about the England job.
Sky in Italy have reported that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with the 55-year-old to convince him to take over the national team. According to reports, legendary defender Paolo Maldini, the FIGC’s new technical director, and his advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona and spent three days in discussions with Guardiola.
“Pep Guardiola in talks for Italy job after Man City exit; England may consider him if Tuchel is sacked.”
Guardiola, a fluent Italian speaker, spent two seasons playing in Serie A from 2001 to 2003 with Brescia and Roma, and would become only the second non-Italian to lead the Azzurri since the 1960s if he accepted. He is one of several candidates, alongside former Italy internationals Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
The approach comes just months after Guardiola’s successful 10-year spell at Manchester City ended, and while Italy – who beat England in the European Championship final in 2021 – have failed to qualify for three successive World Cups, their most recent failure coming under Gennaro Gattuso in the European play-off for the 2026 tournament.
But Guardiola’s availability has also raised questions about the England job. Thomas Tuchel, who signed a two-year contract extension in February and retains the backing of the Football Association, has been widely criticised after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, where his defensive substitutions were perceived to have cost the Three Lions a 1-0 lead. England finished third in the tournament – their best men’s finish since winning the World Cup in 1966.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney has suggested the FA might “go and get” Guardiola if he is free. “I don’t see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show after England’s loss. “If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him.”
The FA approached Guardiola before appointing Tuchel, with reports of a verbal agreement in place while Guardiola remained at Manchester City. Now, with Guardiola in active talks with Italy, the question is whether the FA will make another move – or watch their former target take charge of a European rival.