Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup has triggered a shake-up in Italian football. Gennaro Gattuso was relieved of his managerial duties by the Italian national team after failing to qualify, according to multiple reports. Gabriele Gravina resigned as head of the Italian football association (FIGC) following the qualification failure, and Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as head of Italy's delegation. These departures have left the federation searching for a new direction, with Guardiola emerging as a top target.
Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. A move for Guardiola from Italy is 'not ruled out', but the financial aspect is challenging, according to sources. Guardiola earns €24.8 million (£21.5m) per year at Manchester City, while Roberto Mancini earned €3 million (£2.6m) per year as Italy head coach after winning Euro 2020. The significant salary gap presents a major hurdle for the Italian federation, which would need to find substantial funding to meet Guardiola's demands.
I would start again with Guardiola. He is the right man for Italy. I know it's not easy, but dreaming costs nothing.
According to Daily Mail - Sport, Guardiola has hinted in the past that he would like to move into international management later in his career. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola would be 'happy' to consider an offer from the Italian national team. These statements suggest Guardiola is open to the possibility, though no formal approach has been confirmed.
According to Daily Mail - Sport, Leonardo Bonucci described Guardiola as the right man for Italy and said he would start again with him, acknowledging it is not easy but that dreaming costs nothing. Bonucci, who works with the Italian federation, has 'dreamed' of bringing in Guardiola. Massimiliano Allegri has not closed the door on taking over as Italy head coach in the future, providing an alternative option for the federation.
I would like to have the experience of a World Cup, a European Championship, a Copa América, anything. I would like to experience a major national team competition. I don't know when, in five, 10, or 15 years, but I would like to play in a World Cup as a coach. To work with a national team, they have to want you and hire you, just like with clubs. I don't know who wants me to work with a national team.
It remains unclear whether the Italian federation has made any formal approach to Guardiola or his representatives, and what Guardiola's current stance is on leaving Manchester City for the Italy job. Other candidates being considered and the timeline for Italy's appointment of a new head coach are also unknown. The federation would face significant financial challenges in financing Guardiola's salary, which is nearly ten times what Mancini earned.