Italy Eyes Pep Guardiola as Next Head Coach

Updated July 20, 2026 8 min read

max916311@gmail.com

TL;DR: The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reached out to Pep Guardiola about becoming the next head coach of the Italian national team, according to multiple reports. The move comes as Guardiola prepares to leave Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca reportedly set to replace him at the Etihad. Italy is seeking a high-profile appointment following a disappointing period for the Azzurri.

Italy Eyes Pep Guardiola as Next Head Coach in High-Profile International Move

The Italian Football Federation has made contact with Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant head coach position of the Italian national team, multiple sources have confirmed. The reported approach signals Italy’s ambition to hire one of football’s most decorated managers as they look to restore the Azzurri to past glories.

Quick Answer

Italy has sounded out Pep Guardiola as a candidate for the role of Italy national team head coach. According to reports from ESPN and BBC Sport, the FIGC initiated contact with Guardiola, who is preparing to step down from Manchester City. The development coincides with reports that Enzo Maresca will take over at City, confirming Guardiola’s imminent departure from the Premier League club.

What Is Behind Italy’s Pursuit of Pep Guardiola?

Italy’s decision to pursue Guardiola reflects the federation’s desire to make a statement appointment. The FIGC is looking to appoint a world-class coach capable of returning Italy to the summit of international football following a period of underperformance.

Guardiola’s track record at club level is unmatched in modern football. He has won league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, along with multiple Champions League trophies. His tactical innovation and ability to develop players have made him the most sought-after coach in world football for nearly two decades.

Why Italy Is Targeting an Elite International Coach

Italy has struggled to maintain consistency at major tournaments in recent years. Despite winning Euro 2020 under Roberto Mancini, the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and have not replicated that success since. The federation believes a manager of Guardiola’s caliber could provide the tactical structure and prestige needed to compete with the world’s best national teams.

According to BBC Sport, the approach also raises questions about whether England could enter the race for Guardiola’s services should the Italian job not materialize. The prospect of Guardiola coaching at international level has sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans alike.

How Will Guardiola’s Departure Affect Manchester City?

Reports from BBC Sport indicate that Manchester City are set to replace Guardiola with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. This development confirms that Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium is being treated as a certainty by one of England’s biggest clubs.

Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 and transformed the club into one of the dominant forces in European football. Under his leadership, City won six Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic cups. His final season at City marked the end of one of the most successful managerial tenures in English football history.

Enzo Maresca as Guardiola’s Replacement at City

Enzo Maresca, who previously managed Chelsea and won the Championship with Leicester City, is understood to be Manchester City’s chosen successor. Maresca worked as an assistant coach under Guardiola at City before moving into management, which gives him familiarity with the club’s systems and culture.

The appointment of Maresca represents a continuation of Guardiola’s influence at City, even after his departure. Maresca’s appointment signals that the club wants to maintain a similar tactical philosophy going forward.

What Would Guardiola Bring to the Italian National Team?

Guardiola’s potential appointment as Italy head coach would represent a significant shift in approach for the FIGC. Historically, Italy has relied on Italian-born coaches with deep knowledge of Serie A and the national team system.

Hiring Guardiola would bring several advantages to the Italian setup:

Tactical mastery: Guardiola’s innovative formations and pressing systems could modernize Italy’s approach to international football
Player development: His ability to improve individual players could unlock talent within the current Italian squad
Big-game experience: Having won every major trophy at club level, Guardiola understands the pressure of high-stakes knockout matches
Prestige and recruitment: His name alone could attract top Italian players who play abroad to commit fully to the national team
International adaptability: Having managed in Spain, Germany, and England, Guardiola has demonstrated the ability to work across different football cultures

Challenges Guardiola Would Face as Italy Head Coach

The move would not be without challenges. Guardiola has never coached at international level, and the rhythm of national team football is vastly different from club management. He would need to adapt to working with players for limited periods rather than having daily control over training and tactics.

Additionally, coaching outside his native Spain for the first time in an international capacity would require adapting to Italian football culture, which has its own traditions and expectations around the national team. The Italian media and fanbase are known for their passionate and sometimes intense scrutiny of the Azzurri coach.

How Does This Compare to Other High-Profile International Appointments?

The pursuit of Guardiola by Italy follows a broader trend of national federations targeting elite club managers. Several recent appointments illustrate this pattern:

Federation	Coach	Background	Year Appointed
Italy	Pep Guardiola (targeted)	Club level (Manchester City)	2026
England	Thomas Tuchel	Club level (Bayern Munich, Chelsea)	2025
Germany	Julian Nagelsmann	Club level (Bayern Munich)	2023
Brazil	Dorival Junior	Domestic (São Paulo)	2024

The appointment of Thomas Tuchel by England in 2025 demonstrated that national federations are increasingly willing to look beyond their own borders for coaching talent. Italy’s approach to Guardiola would take this trend a step further by hiring one of the most famous coaches in world football.

What Happens Next in the Italy Head Coach Search?

As of mid-July 2026, the FIGC has not made a formal announcement regarding the next head coach of the Italian national team. The contact with Guardiola is described as exploratory, and it remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will accept the role.

Guardiola’s decision will likely depend on several factors, including the contract terms offered by the FIGC, his personal desire to work in international football, and whether other opportunities — such as the England job — might also become available. For more information on international football coaching changes, see our guide on the latest developments in international football management.

Key Takeaways

The Italian Football Federation has reached out to Pep Guardiola about the head coach position for the Italian national team
Guardiola is confirmed to be leaving Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca set to take over as manager
The approach reflects Italy’s ambition to appoint an elite, world-class coach following a period of inconsistency
Guardiola’s potential appointment would represent a historic shift for Italian football, which has traditionally relied on domestic coaches
The move could also open the door for England or other federations to pursue Guardiola if the Italian job does not work out

Conclusion

Italy’s pursuit of Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the national team represents one of the most ambitious coaching searches in recent international football history. The FIGC’s willingness to target a manager of Guardiola’s stature demonstrates the federation’s determination to return Italy to the top of the world game. With Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City now confirmed and Enzo Maresca lined up as his successor, the stage is set for what could be a transformative appointment in Italian football.

Whether Guardiola ultimately accepts the role remains to be seen, but the approach itself sends a clear message about Italy’s intentions and ambition for the future of the Azzurri.

The Bottom Line

Italy has sounded out Pep Guardiola for the national team head coach role in a bold move by the FIGC. The development comes as Manchester City prepare for life after Guardiola with Enzo Maresca as incoming manager. If completed, the appointment of Italy head coach Pep Guardiola would be the most high-profile international coaching hire in years, reshaping expectations for the Azzurri heading into future World Cup and European Championship campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Pep Guardiola officially been appointed as Italy head coach?

No, as of July 2026, Pep Guardiola has not been officially appointed as Italy head coach. Reports from ESPN and BBC Sport confirm that the Italian Football Federation has made initial contact and sounded out Guardiola about the position, but no formal agreement has been announced.

Why is Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City?

Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City after an extended and highly successful tenure that began in 2016. While specific personal reasons for his departure have not been fully detailed, multiple reports confirm that his exit is imminent, with Enzo Maresca reportedly set to replace him as manager.

Who will replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?

According to BBC Sport, Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager. Maresca previously coached Chelsea and Leicester City, and he worked as an assistant under Guardiola at City before beginning his own managerial career.

Has Italy ever hired a foreign head coach before?

Italy has historically preferred Italian-born coaches for the national team position. A few foreign coaches have managed Italy in friendly matches or in lesser capacities, but a permanent foreign appointment of Guardiola’s profile would be unprecedented for the FIGC.

Could England also try to hire Pep Guardiola?

According to BBC Sport, Guardiola’s availability could attract interest from other national federations, including England. With Thomas Tuchel currently managing the England team, any potential move for Guardiola by the FA would depend on future developments and Tuchel’s own tenure.