Pep Guardiola linked with surprise Italy national team role

According to Sky Sport Italia, Paolo Maldini and his advisor, Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona last weekend to meet with the former Manchester City manager and gauge his interest in taking charge of the Azzurri.

The meeting is believed to have been exploratory, with discussions centred on whether Guardiola would be open to leading Italy into a new era as speculation grows over who will succeed the current national team leadership.

FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed that the Italian Football Federation is assessing several candidates and said the search for the next head coach remains ongoing.

“There are other names as well,” Malago told Sky Sport, with former Italy coach Roberto Mancini and World Cup-winning legend Andrea Pirlo also reportedly under consideration.

Malago added that the appointment will not be based solely on a candidate’s willingness to accept the role, noting that any decision must also align with the federation’s financial plans for 2026.

Although no final decision has been reached, the reported meeting with Guardiola has fuelled speculation that one of football’s most decorated managers could be set for a stunning move into international football with Italy.