Mansion Sports – Pep Guardiola has reportedly been offered the opportunity to become the next head coach of the Italy national team after holding face-to-face talks with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.

However, the former Manchester City manager has repeatedly stated that he is enjoying his break and has no plans to return to coaching in the near future.

Italy Makes Guardiola the Primary Target

Maldini and Leonardo met with Guardiola in Barcelona to discuss the vacant Italy national team head coach position.

According to Sky Sports Italia, the discussions went beyond a brief meeting and may have continued throughout the weekend.

The meeting emerged after photos of Maldini and Leonardo in Spain circulated on social media, leading to reports that the two traveled to offer Guardiola the opportunity to lead the Gli Azzurri. Italy has reportedly made Guardiola its primary candidate in the search for a new head coach.

Guardiola's Break Becomes an Obstacle to FIGC's Plans

Although the offer is highly ambitious, the main obstacle remains Guardiola's commitment to his break from coaching. The 55-year-old openly expressed his need to rest by saying:

"From a mental point of view, I do not miss anything at all. I started coaching at the age of 37, and my entire life has been tied to football. Now, I want to try to find a life, to feel happy by doing other things that have nothing to do with football."

He added:

"I am trying to figure out what my life will look like from now on. I decided to stop because I wanted to take better care of myself. I want to spend more time with my children and my father, who is now 95 years old and still with us. I have reached the age of 56, I am no longer a young man, and the way you look at various things also changes. I am still adjusting to this new phase, but everything is going quite well."

Italy Continues to Consider Other Alternatives

Although Guardiola remains Italy's dream choice, the federation is also actively exploring other options.

Former Gli Azzurri head coach Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo have both been linked with the position, but the latest reports state that Antonio Conte has reached an agreement to become the new head coach.

Interest in Guardiola is also not limited to Italy, as several other major nations continue to monitor his situation.

Following England's failure at the recent World Cup, observers and former players suggested Guardiola replace Thomas Tuchel as head coach of the Three Lions.

Gli Azzurri Await Guardiola's Decision

Italy is searching for a head coach capable of reviving the national team following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso, which was triggered by their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Whether Guardiola is willing to end his break remains uncertain, leaving the federation to continue evaluating alternative candidates while awaiting clarity regarding his decision.