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 is reportedly dreaming of convincing the Manchester City manager to take over after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. Gennaro Gattuso was relieved of his managerial duties by the Italian national team after the failure, according to multiple reports.
Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, where he earns €24.8 million (£21.5m) per year. A move for Guardiola from Italy is not ruled out, but the financial aspect is challenging, sources said. The Italian federation would need to find a way to match or come close to his current salary, which is significantly higher than what previous Italy managers have earned.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola would be happy to consider an offer from the Italian national team. The Manchester City manager has hinted in the past that he would like to move into international management later in his career. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Guardiola described his desire to experience a major national team competition, such as a World Cup or European Championship, though he did not specify when that might happen.
Following Italy's World Cup failure, Gabriele Gravina resigned as head of the Italian football association (FIGC), according to multiple reports. Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down as head of Italy's delegation after the failure. These departures have left the federation in a state of transition as it searches for a new head coach.
I would start again with Guardiola. He is the right man for Italy. I know it's not easy, but dreaming costs nothing.
Leonardo Bonucci, who works with the Italian federation, is dreaming of bringing in Guardiola, according to Daily Mail - Sport. Bonucci described Guardiola as the right man for Italy, acknowledging that it is not easy but that dreaming costs nothing. The former Italy defender's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the federation.
Guardiola's salary at Manchester City is €24.8 million per year, while Roberto Mancini earned €3 million (£2.6m) as Italy's head coach after winning Euro 2020. The vast difference in wages highlights the financial hurdle the Italian federation faces if it wants to appoint Guardiola. The federation would need to secure significant funding or convince Guardiola to take a pay cut.
Other candidates for the Italy head coach position include Massimiliano Allegri and Claudio Ranieri, according to multiple reports. Allegri does not close the door on taking over as Italy head coach in the future, sources said. Ranieri is also a candidate, though it remains unclear who the federation is seriously targeting.
Several unknowns remain regarding the coaching search. It is not known whether the Italian football federation has made any formal approach to Guardiola. The timeline for appointing a new head coach has not been announced. It is also unclear whether Allegri is seriously being considered or what financial package the federation can offer. Finally, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will leave Manchester City before his contract ends.