Italy’s football federation, the FIGC, is reported to have opened discussions with Pep Guardiola over a possible role as head coach of the Italy national team. Multiple outlets say the talks take place after the Italian job is described as vacant, and they frame the move as an attempt to help the team recover following a run of missed World Cups.
Sky reports that the FIGC met with Guardiola to persuade him to take the position. Other reports add details of the conversations, saying Paolo Maldini and Leonardo visited Guardiola in Barcelona over the weekend to discuss a potential engagement, in connection with the federation’s planning for the next technical setup.
BBC and Yahoo also describe Guardiola as a contender for the post, noting he speaks Italian. Fox Sports reports the discussions involved face-to-face meetings in Barcelona with Maldini and Leonardo and says Guardiola has publicly indicated he is enjoying a sabbatical and has no immediate plans to return to management. Overall, sources describe talks and negotiations but do not confirm a final appointment.
