Italy targets Pep Guardiola as national team coach
Italy have reportedly held talks with Pep Guardiola in a bid to convince him to take over as their national team coach. The Azzurri missed out on a third successive World Cup after losing the play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, pushing Gennaro Gattuso out of his role.
According to reporting by The Independent - Sport, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) made an ambitious approach towards the decorated former Manchester City boss. Two figures at the forefront of these talks were Italy icon Paolo Maldini, newly appointed as technical director, and advisor Leonardo.
Pep Guardiola, known for his ambition over salary when deciding his next step, was briefed on a four-year plan that includes significant improvement strategies for Italian football.While the initial meetings concluded with no official decision from Guardiola, Maldini and colleagues spent three days discussing possibilities. Guardiola himself has previously indicated a desire to step back: during his final press conference at Manchester City, he mentioned not planning on taking a new job