Italy have sounded out the possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola as their next coach after missing out on this summer’s World Cup, a source told ESPN.
The source added that Guardiola’s conversation with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) lasted barely “one minute” because his intention is to take “at least” one year out of the game after leaving Manchester City.
Three other national teams have also reached out to Guardiola’s camp in recent weeks about the possibility of him making the leap into international football.
Every approach has been met with the response that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is taking a sabbatical, although some of the interested parties indicated they could be willing to wait for him given there are no major international tournaments next year.
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The source could not confirm which other countries had been in touch, although the Netherlands have also been credited with an interest after Ronald Koeman’s exit following a round of 32 defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.
England have also been repeatedly linked with Guardiola. The Football Association’s stance is that they will stick with Thomas Tuchel despite the World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina, although Guardiola could be open to the role in the future.
Italy’s search for a new coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s after April’s World Cup playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina has been held up for several reasons.
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The FIGC first had to elect a new president, with Giovanni Malagò voted into the role ahead of Giancarlo Abete on June 22.
Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has subsequently been appointed as the national team’s technical director, with ex-Brazil international Leonardo brought on board in a consultancy role to help in the pursuit of a manager.
As well as Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo has also been linked with the role, although Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain the front-runners for now.
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Italy have missed out on the last three World Cups, in 2018, 2022 and 2026, while they failed to get out of the groups in 2010 and 2014 after winning the trophy for a fourth time in 2006.
They have fared better in the European Championships, which they won in 2021 under the stewardship of Mancini.
ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti contributed to this report.
