Pep Guardiola would already have a new destination after leaving Manchester City

Apuesta a este partido aquí

UEFA Europa League

1 X 2

Omonia Nicosia Celta Vigo

16/09/26 18:45:00

4.00 3.30 1.83

 PUBLICIDAD

Cuotas validas al publicarse, sujetas a cambios. Regístrese en bet365, ingrese 5€ o más en su cuenta y conseguirá un 100% de su ingreso válido en créditos de apuesta (hasta 100€). Solo para clientes nuevos. Se aplican las condiciones. Las ganancias no incluyen el importe de los créditos de apuesta. Se aplican premios máximos, restricciones de juego, límites de tiempo y condiciones. Es necesario registrarse.

Pep Guardiola, Spanish coach aged 55, has been contacted by the Italian Federation to take over the helm of the Italy National Team. Paolo Maldini and Leonardo traveled to Barcelona to present the project to him, although an agreement between the parties is still pending.

The federation has placed Guardiola among its top candidates after the departure of Gennaro Gattuso and Italy's absence in the 2026 World Cup. The coach has been available since the end of his ten-season tenure at Manchester City at the conclusion of the last season.

Pep Guardiola Listens to Maldini and Leonardo's Project

The contact occurred a few days after the restructuring of the federation's sports area. Paolo Maldini was appointed technical director and president of Club Italy on July 11, 2026, while Leonardo joined as an advisor.

Both officials traveled to Barcelona for a face-to-face meeting with Pep Guardiola. The aim was to ascertain his availability and explain the responsibilities he would have leading the senior national team, in addition to the planned strategy to restore Italian football competitiveness.

The conversation marks progress from the initial interest, but does not equate to acceptance. Guardiola has expressed doubts about returning immediately to coaching and considers taking a break after leaving Manchester City.

The coach departed the English club in May 2026 after managing it for a decade. His tenure concluded with 20 titles, according to the club's report, along with a new role as a global ambassador for the City Football Group.

Italy National Team Considers More Candidates

The Italy National Team will not limit its search to the Catalan coach. Roberto Mancini, Andrea Pirlo, and Antonio Conte have also been considered as alternatives for the position, although Conte stated he had not been contacted.

The Guardiola option faces two obstacles. The first is his willingness to start a project without a break. The second relates to the financial conditions of the operation, as the federation would need to adjust its salary structure for a coach coming from ten years in the Premier League.

No salary proposal or contract duration has been announced. Neither is there an official date to announce the new coach, although the federation aims to progress in the decision over the next few days and unveil its new sports structure.

The Coaching Transfer Market Awaits His Response

Guardiola's appearance places Italy at the center of the coaching transfer market. The coach does not need to negotiate release from another club, but his role as a City Football Group ambassador and desire for rest are factors that need resolution before responding.

Maldini and Leonardo keep the door open, although initial reports suggest complications in the operation. The federation will need to decide whether to wait for the Spanish coach or move forward with one of the available candidates for the role in the coaching transfer market.

The next move is on Pep Guardiola. If he agrees to continue discussions, the Italian Federation must finalize the contract, salary, and sports responsibilities; if he declines the offer, Italy will pursue another option before concluding its search in the coaching transfer market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Pep Guardiola ya tendría nuevo destino tras dejar el Manchester City