Pep Guardiola To The Azzurri? Italy Plot Shock Move For Man City Boss - Report

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 14:24 IST

Italy’s World Cup failure triggers chaos, exits, and a bold idea to bring in Pep Guardiola. With his City future uncertain, could the Spaniard lead the Azzurri revival?

Italian football is amid what can only be called a full-blown existential crisis.

The latest blow, a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina, confirmed that the Azzurri will miss their third consecutive FIFA World Cup, triggering sweeping changes at the top.

The rebuild has begun. The biggest question now: Who is going to lead it?

Guardiola Enters the Frame

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pep Guardiola would consider taking over as Italy’s head coach this summer, even with one year left on his deal at Manchester City.

Reports suggest Guardiola is currently not keen on renewing his City contract, which opens a narrow window for the Italian FA to make a move. Spanish outlet Marca even claims appointing him is Italy’s “dream" scenario.

If it happens, Guardiola would become only the second foreign manager in Italy’s history.

Behind the scenes, there’s already talk of succession planning at City. Enzo Maresca has reportedly been approached as a potential replacement should Guardiola walk away.

Why Guardiola, Why Now?

Guardiola is one of the most decorated managers in football history, with over 40 trophies across spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

He’s currently chasing yet another Premier League title, having led City back to the top after wiping out a 10-point gap to Arsenal.

But there’s one box he hasn’t ticked: international football.

Taking charge of Italy, a fallen giant desperate for reinvention, could be the ultimate challenge.

A Risk Worth Taking?

For Italy, this is about more than just hiring a coach. It’s about redefining identity, restoring pride, and dragging the Azzurri back to relevance.

Guardiola would bring philosophy, structure, and a clear footballing vision. But international management is a different beast. Less time, less control, and far less margin for error.

Then again, who wouldn’t roll the dice on Pep if they could?

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