The Italian Football Federation has reportedly offered former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola the position of Italy’s new head coach, after Gennaro Gattuso left following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
According to Sky Sports, Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and Leonardo, his advisor, traveled all the way to Barcelona to hold face-to-face talks with Guardiola.
The same source stated that the Italian Federation is making a clear effort to convince the Spanish manager to take the position of Italy’s head coach, as the talks with Guardiola lasted over three days to explain the Italian national team’s project for him.
News of the encounter surfaced after photos on social media showed Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Spain meeting Guardiola.
Despite an offer from a team like Italy, Guardiola remains committed to his decision to take a break from football, especially after so many stressful years in his career.
“I will not be coaching for a while. If I had plans to coach I would stay. I need to take a break,” the 56-year-old tactician said during his final Manchester City press conference
Later speaking to Sky Sports, the Spaniard added that he wants to take care of himself and spend more time with his family. “I am trying to see what my life will look like now. I stopped because I want to take care of myself and spend more time with my kids and my father, who is 95 and still with us,” Guardiola explained. “I’ve reached the age of 56, I am not young anymore, the way I look at things has changed, I am still getting used to this new life, but it’s going well.”
The Italian Football Federation is also keeping an eye on other managers such as former Italy coach Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo, whose names are both linked to the list of potential candidates.
