Pep Guardiola has emerged as a candidate for the vacant head coach position of the Italian national team, according to Marca. The Italian football federation has a 'dream' to convince the Manchester City manager to lead the national side.
Italy's coaching vacancy follows a series of changes. According to sources, Gennaro Gattuso was relieved of his duties after failing to guide Italy to the World Cup, and Gabriele Gravina resigned as head of the Italian football association after Italy's defeat to Bosnia. Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down as head of Italy's delegation.
I would start again with Guardiola. He is the right man for Italy. I know it's not easy, but dreaming costs nothing.
Financial hurdles complicate a potential move. Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, where he earns €24.8 million (£21.5m) per year, according to reports. A move is 'not ruled out', but the financial aspect is challenging, according to Daily Mail - Sport. By comparison, Roberto Mancini earned €3 million (£2.6m) after leading Italy to Euro 2020 victory.
Other candidates and future possibilities exist. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Leonardo Bonucci described Guardiola as the right man for Italy, adding that 'dreaming costs nothing'. Guardiola has hinted he would like to move into international management later in his career. Milan's coach Massimiliano Allegri does not close the door on taking over the Italian national team in the future, according to Fotbolltransfers.