Italy : Guardiola is no longer a fantasy as the FIGC steps up talks behind closed doors
A few weeks ago, the idea sounded like fantasy. Now, it is being taken seriously on the other side of the Alps. In search of a new coach after a chaotic spring, the Italian federation has taken another step by meeting Pep Guardiola in Barcelona. That does not mean he is about to walk through the door, but it does show this story has moved up a level.
Italy’s new bosses want to use the fresh cycle ahead to rebuild the Azzurri. Paolo Maldini, appointed technical director, and Leonardo, who has arrived as an adviser, are personally driving the project. Their trip to Catalonia was not a courtesy call: they went there to lay out their vision for Italian football and the role they imagine for the former Manchester City manager.
A project bigger than just the national team job
The appeal is simple: this is about much more than the touchline. Italian officials want to hand Guardiola a multi-year mission to help rebuild the national team, but also to shape the direction of the wider game in the country. It is a bold plan after the Azzurri’s crushing failure, with a third straight World Cup now out of reach.
The Catalan coach had said in recent months that he wanted a break after 10 seasons at Manchester City. Out of contract, he was expected to step away from the dugout for a while. Still, Italy holds a special place in his story. A former player for Brescia and AS Roma, he has often spoken of his affection for calcio, and he has never completely shut the door on a return.
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There is still competition
No deal has been struck yet, and the federation is still weighing up other options. Roberto Mancini still has backers inside the setup, Andrea Pirlo would be the cheaper choice, and several club chairmen are still pushing Antonio Conte. But none of those names is generating anything like the same buzz as Guardiola.
The next few days should bring more clarity. If talks keep moving forward, Italy could pull off a move many thought was impossible only at the start of the summer: convincing one of the most decorated managers in history to take charge of the Azzurri.
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