Former Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly emerged as Italy’s leading candidate for the Azzurri coaching job after holding face-to-face discussions with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.
According to Sky Sports Italia, Maldini and Leonardo travelled to Spain to meet Guardiola over the vacant position, with the talks reportedly extending beyond a brief meeting and continuing throughout the weekend.
The meeting came to light after photos of Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona surfaced on social media, fuelling speculation that the pair had travelled to sound out Guardiola about taking charge of the Italian national team.
Italy are said to have identified the Spaniard as their preferred choice as they seek a new head coach.
Despite the federation’s interest, Guardiola has consistently maintained that he is fully committed to his sabbatical and has no immediate intention of returning to management.
Speaking previously about his decision to step away from coaching, Guardiola said, “From a mental standpoint, I don’t miss anything at all. I started managing at 37, and my entire life has been bound to football. Now, I want to try and discover life, to be happy doing other things that have nothing to do with football.”
He further explained, “I’m trying to figure out what my life will look like. I decided to stop because I want to take a bit more care of myself. I want to spend more time with my children and with my father, who is 95 and still with us. I’ve reached the age of 56, I’m no longer young, and the way you see things changes as well. I’m still adjusting to this new phase, but it’s going pretty well.”
While Guardiola remains Italy’s top target, the Italian Football Federation is also weighing other options.
Former Italy coach, Roberto Mancini and Juventus great Andrea Pirlo have both been linked with the role, although recent reports indicate that Antonio Conte has already reached an agreement to become the next Azzurri boss.
Italy are not the only nation monitoring Guardiola’s situation. Following England’s disappointing World Cup campaign, several pundits and former players have suggested the Spaniard as a possible successor to Thomas Tuchel as manager of the Three Lions.
The Azzurri are seeking a coach capable of rebuilding the national team after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, which followed Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Whether Guardiola will cut short his sabbatical remains uncertain, leaving the federation to keep alternative candidates under consideration while awaiting his response.
