Pep Guardiola In Line for Italy National Team Head Coach Role? FIGC Admits They Have Already Opened Communications Regarding This Matter.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has launched the search for a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso to lead Gli Azzurri following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Pep Guardiola has emerged as the most widely rumoured candidate for the role.

FIGC President Giovanni Malago confirmed the federation has opened communications with the former Manchester City head coach. However, he stressed that this process remains at a very early stage and no agreements of any kind have been reached.

Guardiola is the frontrunner to replace Gattuso, who resigned after failing to guide Italy to the 2026 World Cup finals. The Spanish manager is currently unattached, after concluding his tenure at the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season.

As speculation over Guardiola taking the Italy national team post continues to grow, Malago has urged all parties to avoid rushing to conclusions about the outcome of the ongoing discussions.

"This does not mean that talks with Guardiola will deliver a final result. But I believe opening and maintaining this dialogue is the proper, necessary step forward," Malago stated on the Cronache di Spogliatoio podcast, as quoted by ESPN.

Reports from multiple Italian media outlets confirm that FIGC Technical Director Paolo Maldini and technical advisor Leonardo Araujo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to hold a meeting with Guardiola.

The meeting is understood to be part of the federation's efforts to convince the man regarded as one of the most successful coaches in modern football history to take the role.

Guardiola's expected salary demands have also been the subject of public scrutiny. However, Malago dismissed claims that the federation's financial situation is the primary barrier to negotiations.

"It would still be an understatement to describe our current position as operating on a tight budget over the short to medium term. That said, exceptions can and will be considered - especially for a figure of Guardiola's stature," he added.

While Guardiola remains the most discussed candidate, the FIGC has not closed off alternative options. 2020 European Championship winning manager Roberto Mancini, and AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo are also listed as potential coaching candidates.

There remain significant obstacles to securing Guardiola. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has previously stated his intention to take an extended break from professional football to spend more time with his family.

Should negotiations ultimately succeed, this appointment will be the first national team head coach role of Guardiola's entire managerial career.