A new scandal has erupted in the football world regarding the search for a head coach for the Italian national team. At the center of attention is one of the most decorated specialists of modern times — Pep Guardiola. The Spanish coach, who recently concluded his legendary 10-year tenure at Manchester City, has become the object of Italian interest.
Meeting in Barcelona: Just One Minute
According to sources, the meeting took place in Barcelona. Leaders of the Italian Football Federation, including the legendary Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo, personally arrived to offer the Spaniard the position of national team coach. However, the dialogue was extremely brief: negotiations lasted only about a minute.
Despite the fact that working with a national team often implies a more flexible schedule compared to a club career, Guardiola made it clear that he is not interested in continuing his coaching activities right now. The 55-year-old specialist has decided to take a one-year break from his career to devote time to his family and loved ones.
Who Will Lead the 'Azzurri'?
The Italian national team found itself in a difficult position following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso. The former coach failed to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup, which was a real blow to Italian football. In the qualification playoffs, the team suffered a painful defeat against the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in a penalty shootout.
Now the federation must choose a new leader. Among the main contenders for the vacant position are famous specialists:
- Antonio Conte
- Roberto Mancini
- Andrea Pirlo
The choice of a new coach is expected to be made in the near future so that the team can begin preparations for upcoming tournaments. For now, Pep Guardiola remains on the sidelines of the coaching race, enjoying his well-deserved rest.
