Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to the possibility of coaching the Italian national team in the summer, despite having a year remaining on his contract with the Premier League club. Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Guardiola would be receptive to an offer to become the new Italy coach.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) plans to appoint a new head coach after June 22, following the election of a new FIGC President. According to Gazzetta, Guardiola’s future at Manchester City is not entirely settled, even with his contract extending until June 2027. The publication indicates that if Guardiola were to depart from Manchester City, he might opt for a break rather than immediately taking on another club coaching role, citing the need to recover from years of intense work at the Etihad Stadium. However, a national team position could present a suitable compromise, similar to his sabbatical in 2012.
La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights Guardiola’s enduring connection with Italy, stemming from his past playing career with Brescia and Roma. This strong bond, it is reported, makes him willing to consider an offer to lead the Azzurri. While Guardiola previously expressed a preference for holidaying in Italy over coaching there in 2018, the report suggests a shift in his stance. Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci, who served as an assistant coach, has publicly stated that Guardiola should be the FIGC President’s top choice, acknowledging that while it may be a long shot, “dreaming doesn’t cost anything.”
