Former City manager Pep Guardiola has held initial talks over becoming the new manager of the Italian national team, according to reports from Sky in Italy.
The development marks the first significant indication of Guardiola’s plans following his departure from the Etihad.
Maldini leads approach in Barcelona
The pursuit is being driven by Paolo Maldini, the newly appointed director of football at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The legendary former defender reportedly travelled to Barcelona to meet face-to-face with the ex-City manager in an attempt to convince him to take the vacancy.
Maldini is tasked with leading a major restructure of the Azzurri setup, with the federation viewing Guardiola as the marquee appointment required to overhaul the national team’s footballing identity ahead of the next major tournament cycle.
International management role holds appeal
Guardiola is currently unattached after ending his trophy-laden spell in Manchester. He has previously spoken of his ambition to manage an international side later in his career, having already won domestic and European honours across stints in Spain, Germany, and England.
While discussions are understood to be at an early stage, the opportunity to return a traditional European powerhouse to the summit of international football presents a unique challenge for the Catalan.
For City supporters tracking their former manager’s next move, the prospect of Guardiola taking the reins in Rome would see him partner with one of football’s most respected figures as Italy target a return to competitive dominance.
