In a move that could reshape Italian football, reports from Thursday suggest that Pep Guardiola is the "dream" candidate for Giovanni Malagò to become the next head coach of the Italy national team—should Malagò win the upcoming FIGC presidential election in June.

The Italian football landscape is currently in flux. Following the Azzurri's disappointing World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in late March, both head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina stepped down. The search for new leadership is now underway, with the election for the next FIGC President scheduled for June 22.

Malagò, the former CONI chief, has emerged as a frontrunner. With endorsements from the Lega Serie A, Lega Serie B, the players' association, and the coaches' association, he enters next month's vote in a strong position against rival candidate Giancarlo Abete.

While a new head coach won't be named until the FIGC leadership is settled, Thursday's reports indicate that Malagò is already thinking ahead. Earlier speculation suggested he might target Massimiliano Allegri of AC Milan. However, according to La Repubblica, his ultimate aspiration is Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Premier League champions, has been linked with a move away from club management. The 55-year-old former Barcelona, Brescia, and Roma midfielder is reportedly not interested in taking on another club role after his time at City ends. Instead, a sabbatical—or a national team position—could be the ideal next chapter.

Adding fuel to the fire, La Gazzetta dello Sport recently reported that Guardiola is "open" to considering offers from the Italian setup. While the salary would be significantly lower than his current Manchester City wages, the allure of leading the Azzurri could be a compelling challenge for the legendary tactician.