The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is in the middle of a high-stakes election process, and one thing is clear: the next Azzurri coach needs to be a household name. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pep Guardiola has emerged as a dream target for the role, with many within the organization eager to see him take the reins.
Guardiola is currently weighing his future at Manchester City, where his contract has one year remaining. While he has kept his cards close to his chest, rumors from Spain and England suggest he may be ready to move on—especially if he secures another Premier League title. If he does leave the Sky Blues, a sabbatical is a likely next step, but managing a national team like Italy could offer a perfect middle ground between a full break and diving into a new club job.
Guardiola had previously set his sights on the England job, but Thomas Tuchel recently extended his contract with the Three Lions until 2028. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is close to signing a four-year extension with Brazil, closing another potential door. This leaves Italy as an intriguing option for the Spanish tactician.
The idea of Guardiola leading the Azzurri was even floated by former defender Leonardo Bonucci, who worked alongside Gennaro Gattuso on the Italian bench. Guardiola has a personal connection to Italy, having played for Brescia and Roma during his career. His trusted assistant, Manel Estiarte, also has deep ties to the country from his water polo days in the 1980s and 1990s. While Guardiola's salary would be astronomical, sponsors are reportedly ready to chip in to make it happen.
In other FIGC news, Giovanni Malagò has boosted his chances of becoming the next president. Serie A threw its support behind him early, and recent endorsements from coaches and players' associations have pushed his vote share to 48 percent, according to Calcio e Finanza. Meanwhile, Serie D is backing its own leader, Giancarlo Abete, while Serie B and D have yet to pick a side.
Landing Guardiola may be a long shot, but in football, dreaming big never hurts.