Pep Guardiola stepped down as manager at Manchester City after the 2025-26 season. Photo by Peter Powell/EPA-EFE
Italy reached out to former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to express interest in hiring him to coach the men’s national team.
Sources told ESPN, Sky Sports and the Manchester Evening News about the development Monday. Guardiola coached Manchester City for the last 10 seasons. He resigned from that role after the Sky Blues’ 2025-26 season.
The Italians failed to qualify for the last three World Cups. Former manager Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April. Silvio Baldini has served as caretaker amid the Italians’ search for a new manager.
Guardiola, 55, won 20 trophies with the Sky Blues, including six Premier League crowns, five League Cups, three FA Cups, three FA Community Shields, a Champions League title, a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He also found success as coach at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Sources told ESPN that three other national teams have gauged Guardiola’s interest.
Spain defeats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain’s captain Rodri raises the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, N.J.,, on June 19, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
