Italian Football Federation Talks to Pep Guardiola
August 23, 2026 ·
The Italian Football Federation is in talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to name a new national team coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Italian Football Federation Talks with Pep Guardiola
According to Foxsports.
Background
Pep Guardiola, former Manchester City coach, has an extraordinary track record at club level, and now has the potential to bring his experience to the Italian national team. Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti, who currently coaches Brazil, also has extensive international experience and could be a solid choice to lead the Azzurri.
Why this is important
Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive editions shows a deep crisis in their national football. Choosing a quality coach like Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti could be a strategic step to restore the Azzurri to glory. With the experience and achievements of the two coaches, it is hoped that they can change the fate of the Italian national team.
Main Points
- The Italian Football Federation Talks with Pep Guardiola.
- The Italian Football Federation is in talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to determine a new coach for the national team after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
- Italy In Talks With Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti To Coach National Team | FOX Sports
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti regarding the position of coach of the national team which is currently experiencing a crisis. The FIGC hopes to announce Italy's new coach in the near future, as the Azzurri are still feeling the impact of their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Paolo Maldini, a former Italy and AC Milan player, was appointed as the federation's new technical director at the start of this month. Maldini was present at a meeting with Serie A clubs on Thursday, along with new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special adviser Leonardo. During a press conference after the meeting, Maldini said: "To be honest, at the moment we cannot give information about what is happening. You have identified one of our targets," when asked about Guardiola.
"We can't hide that we also spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before speaking to Pep. To be honest, it seemed right to start with the best in the world, to see their general availability."
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season, capping a trophy-laden 10-year spell in which he made City a European powerhouse and changed the face of English football. This 55 year old coach has won 35 major titles during his coaching career, including at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Maldini and Leonardo recently spent three days in Barcelona to talk to Guardiola about the position of coach of the Italian team.
"The best thing would be to announce a new coach this week, but it is more important to wait for the person we really want," continued Maldini. "So there is a sense of urgency, but not that much urgency within us."
Ancelotti had signed a contract extension with Brazil in May until the 2030 World Cup. However, the five-time champions have just endured one of their worst performances on football's biggest stage, crashing out in the last 16 after losing 2-1 to Norway. The 67-year-old coach has also won league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany, and is the only coach to win the Champions League five times.
Italy, four times world champions, failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing in a playoff against Bosnia-Herzegovina in March, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso only took over as coach from the sacked Luciano Spalletti in June, when the squad was already in a slump after defeat in Norway in the opening qualifier.
Former Italian coach, Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the European title in 2021, and Antonio Conte are also strong candidates to lead the national team. Andrea Pirlo, who helped Italy to the World Cup in 2006 as a player, is also reportedly being considered for the post.
What happened next
The Italian Football Federation is expected to announce a new coach in the near future. If Guardiola or Ancelotti accepts the offer, they will face a huge challenge to rebuild the team and prepare Italy for the upcoming competition. Meanwhile, Paolo Maldini as the new technical director will play an important role in this transition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Italian Football Federation discuss with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti?
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti regarding the position of coach of the national team which is currently experiencing a crisis.
Who confirmed talks with Guardiola and Ancelotti?
Paolo Maldini, the federation's new technical director, confirmed they spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before speaking to Pep Guardiola.
Why is the FIGC talking to Guardiola and Ancelotti now?
FIGC hopes to announce Italy's new coach in the near future, as the Azzurri are still feeling the impact of their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
What changes have occurred in the Italian Football Federation recently?
Paolo Maldini was appointed as the federation's new technical director at the start of this month.
What did Maldini do regarding talks with Guardiola?
Maldini and Leonardo recently spent three days in Barcelona to talk to Guardiola about the position of coach of the Italian team.
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