Key Takeaways:
- Paolo Maldini, Italy’s new technical director, and Leonardo met Pep Guardiola in Barcelona last weekend to offer him the national team role
- Guardiola is weighing the proposal, with a final decision potentially expected as early as tomorrow
- If Guardiola declines, Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini top the FIGC shortlist, with Antonio Conte also in consideration
Maldini and Leonardo Approach Guardiola in Barcelona
Reports from leading Italian sports outlets have confirmed that Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend, aiming to secure Pep Guardiola as Italy’s next head coach. Sky Sport Italia first reported these discussions on Monday, noting the formal offer extended to Guardiola for the Azzurri managerial position.
🚨 BREAKING: Maldini met with Guardiola to discuss Italy job 🇮🇹
Guardiola is no longer just a dream name, official contact has now been made after Maldini traveled to Barcelona to meet him over the weekend.
They want him to take over the Italian National team 👀
📰 Sky Sport… pic.twitter.com/kKLKIXUZM2
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) July 20, 2026
Guardiola Evaluating Prospects and Next Steps
By Tuesday, major Italian news sources had corroborated the story and provided additional insights into Guardiola’s decision-making process. Although current reports indicate that the Spaniard is unlikely to accept the role, optimism lingers due to several compelling factors.
According to some, Guardiola is taking time to thoroughly evaluate the proposal and could announce his final decision as early as tomorrow. Despite revealing just days ago his desire for a break after ten successful yet intense years at Manchester City, Guardiola remains intrigued by the unique opportunity and the scale of the proposed project. Notably, he wishes to dedicate more time to his family, especially his 95-year-old father.
A Challenge Beyond the Dugout
Sportingpedia sources highlight the allure of the broader challenge offered to Guardiola — transforming Italian football culture, reminiscent of what Johan Cruyff accomplished at both Barcelona and with Spain. This holistic ambition to reshape Italian football is a significant feature of the proposal on the table.
Furthermore, Guardiola enjoys an excellent rapport with Paolo Maldini. In fact, following his first Champions League triumph as a manager in 2009 after Barcelona’s victory over Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Guardiola dedicated the achievement to Maldini.
What Happens If Guardiola Turns Down the Role?
Even though Maldini’s mission to secure Guardiola’s signature has been described as “nearly impossible,” yet both Maldini and Leonardo remain quietly hopeful, a sentiment echoed across Italy. Should Guardiola decline the Azzurri job, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has identified Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini as leading alternatives, with Antonio Conte also regarded as a potential candidate.
