Italy consulted with Pep Guardiola about his interest in joining the four-time World Cup champion, a source told ESPN’s Sam Marsden.
The Italian Football Federation, which recently welcomed legendary defender Paolo Maldini as its technical director, met with Guardiola in Barcelona to try to convince him to take over as the national team’s head coach, according to Sky Sports. Maldini’s adviser, Leonardo, was also in attendance.
However, Guardiola’s meeting with Italy lasted “one minute,” as the decorated boss remains committed to taking at least a one-year break from soccer, a source told Marsden. Three other national teams have also reached out to the 55-year-old.
Italy has been looking for a new boss to replace Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned in April after failing to lead the Azzurri back to the World Cup. The Italians haven’t participated in the World Cup since falling in the group stage in 2014.
Guardiola, widely considered one of the sport’s greatest coaches ever, spent the past 10 years with Manchester City, helping the team win six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy. He stepped down at the end of the season.
Other notable names have also been linked to Italy’s coaching job, including Andrea Pirlo, Antonio Conte, and Roberto Mancini, according to Marsden. Italy won the Euro 2020 under Mancini’s watch.
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Source: Sports Soccer – The Score EPL
