Overview
- FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona and held multi-day, in-person talks with Pep Guardiola, a development reported by Sky Sport and other outlets on Monday.
- Maldini and Leonardo presented a multi-year project for the Azzurri and reportedly made an offer to Guardiola, but no acceptance has been announced and Guardiola has repeatedly said he plans to take a break from coaching.
- FIGC president Giovanni Malagò has publicly warned that the federation faces financial constraints that could complicate a high-profile hire, while some reports say salary can be managed within the proposed four-year plan.
- Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo remain on the shortlist as alternatives and the federation says it expects to name a new head coach within days as it balances speed with feasibility.
- The talks follow Italy’s overhaul after failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup and, if completed, a Guardiola appointment would aim to reshape youth pathways and change how Italy approaches international management while raising questions about his ties to the City Football Group.