Italy dreams of a completely new project led by Guardiola

Italian football chiefs are reportedly exploring the sensational possibility of appointing Pep Guardiola as the head coach of the national team, according to an exclusive report by Marca. The Azzurri are without a manager following their playoff collapse against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a defeat that means the four-time world champions will miss a third consecutive World Cup. This significant setback has prompted consideration of a radical shift in the local federation's strategy, aiming not just for a new coach, but for a global football figure who could significantly contribute to building an entirely new project and development model for Italian football.

Guardiola himself still has a year remaining on his contract, but speculation has been rife for months that he might depart Manchester City this summer. The Catalan coach continues to give evasive answers regarding his future, refusing to take a definitive stance on whether he will stay. Marca adds that the primary obstacle to appointing the former Barcelona and Bayern manager to lead Italy would be his salary. Guardiola commands a massive salary of around 25 million euros at the Etihad, a sum that is definitively beyond the Italian federation's financial capabilities.

Even Roberto Mancini, who led the team to European glory in 2021, earned approximately 3 million euros at the peak of his tenure. An exception to this is Antonio Conte's current role. The current Napoli coach, who is also among the names being considered for the national team job, receives a significantly higher salary, with a large portion covered by a corporate sponsor. A similar arrangement is currently being explored.

It is believed that Guardiola himself might be open to considering such an opportunity. The former midfielder played in Serie A for Brescia and Roma and has always expressed his admiration for Italian football. For years, he has been linked with various national teams, most frequently with Brazil. However, the Seleção's coaching position is currently occupied by Carlo Ancelotti, and it is not expected that he will vacate it after the 2026 World Cup.