Italy have added Pep Guardiola to their list of candidates to become the next national team head coach, as the Azzurri begin picking up the pieces from one of the most catastrophic weeks in their football history.
Gennaro Gattuso departed by mutual consent three days after Italy’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed a third consecutive World Cup absence, completing a total collapse of the federation’s leadership.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and legendary delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon had already resigned before Gattuso followed them out the door.
The rebuilding task now falls to whoever comes next, and the names being discussed reflect the scale of what Italian football believes is needed.
Leading the pack, according to multiple reports, are Roberto Mancini, the architect of Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, and Antonio Conte, who is currently managing Napoli but has a strong interest in returning to the national setup after his 2014-16 spell.
A new FIGC president will not be elected until June 22, meaning no permanent appointment is expected before then.
As confirmed by Futbol de Inglaterra, Guardiola has also been placed on the shortlist.
The Manchester City manager has previously stated his desire to coach a national team at some stage in his career, and with Brazil already taken by Carlo Ancelotti, Italy represents one of the few remaining jobs that could match his ambitions.
City are reportedly prepared to give Guardiola the freedom to determine his own future despite his contract running until June 2027, making a summer exit a real possibility.
The FIGC’s willingness to consider a foreign coach reflects a broader rethink within Italian football, given that domestic options like Gian Piero Gasperini are currently contracted to clubs.
