Report: Paolo Maldini steps up talks to confirm Pep Guardiola as Italy’s next coach

Italy they decided to reshape their sports project after spending several years without playing the World Cup, they fired the staff and some officials. Paolo Maldini took a prominent role in this new program, he was appointed as the new technical director. As his big move, he has decided to do so take serious steps to convince Pep Guardiola to take over as head coachas he is free following his departure from Manchester City.

According to Sky Sports Italy, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) met with Pep Guardiola to convince him to take over as the coach of the national team. Paolo Maldini, the new technical director, and Leonardo, his mentor, went to Barcelona to talk to him personally. However, Guardiola did not give FIGC a direct answer, but he is trying hard to convince him.

Although a few selected people are already connected with Italy, Pep Guardiola is the only one who is considered more important. If he accepted that offer, he would come as a perfect manager, looking to start a young and promising career. However, the Spanish coach will need long-term support, as he did at Manchester City, or he can reject any request from the Azzurri.

Throughout his successful managerial career, Guardiola has yet to manage a team in Italy, but has had a spell in Serie A while playing. After leaving Barcelona in 2001, he joined Brescia as a free agent. There, he played 25 games, scored three goals and provided one assist. Therefore, you are already familiar with Italy, too His arrival will be the key to rebuilding the entire national team.

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the Emirates FA Cup final.

Guardiola’s possible arrival would not restore Italy’s Euro 2028 hopes

In the last few years, Italy have played a very direct style of football, focusing on speed and attack. If it happens Pep Guardiola he would arrive as a new coach, he would look to implement a strong, possession-based style, moving away from a three-man defensive line. As this would be a big change, the Azzurri may not be the immediate contenders for UEFA Euro 2028.

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For both Barcelona and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola needed one or two full seasons to develop his style and build a world-class team. In Italy, this would not be different, as he will have to reform the way at youth levels. In addition, Italy’s young stars will need time to adapt to his playing philosophy. This does not mean that they will not be able to win UEFA Euro 2028, but rather that they will not come as top contenders.

Instead of targeting UEFA Euro 2028, Guardiola’s Italy can focus on returning to the 2030 World Cup and reaching the knockout stages again. If his appointment is completed soon, he will have four full years to work and implement his ideas, a good situation. Therefore, there will be a lot of attention in that competition where they will aim to win the cup again, which they have not achieved since 2006.

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