Guardiola to coach Italy after Man City? What we know so far and the 3 main candidates | OneFootball

Leonardo Bonucci has said that having Pep Guardiola as the Italy coach would be a ‘dream’, but for now, there are no concrete signs of this scenario materialising, with three main candidates emerging in the Italian media: Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri and Claudio Ranieri.

Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season and be replaced by Italian tactician Enzo Maresca.

With Italy seeking a new coach after another World Cup heartbreak, Guardiola’s name has been mentioned for the job, not only by Italian media.

Why Guardiola is being linked with Italy job

Azzurri legend Bonucci, who served as Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant until March, said that the Spaniard would be the ideal man for the job: “I think it’s very hard, but dreaming doesn’t cost anything,” argued the ex-defender.

It remains unclear what Guardiola will do after leaving Manchester City, and, as highlighted by Goal.com, the Spaniard may take a sabbatical after ten years at the Etihad Stadium.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Of all the Italian media, Gazzetta dello Sport has been the only one to truly advocate for Guardiola’s appointment, extensively reporting on Pep’s strong ties to Italy stemming from his previous role as a midfielder for Roma and Brescia.

Italy will not hire a new coach before June 22, 2026, when the FIGC presidential election occurs, and a new chief of the Italian FA is appointed.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, gives the team instructions during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Contact has not yet been made with potential candidates, as the role of President of the Italian Federation remains vacant, with outgoing President Gabriele Gravina handling only administrative duties until next month.

As of today, however, the main candidates for the Azzurri job are Conte, Allegri and Ranieri.

The latter already turned down the opportunity to coach the Azzurri in June, following Spalletti’s dismissal.

“I said no to Italy before because I already had a job at Roma and could not do two jobs,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia earlier this month.

“At this point in time, I am free, so if anyone was to call, why not? Never say never.”

Allegri has one year left in his contract with Milan, but the deal will be extended to 2028 if the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League.

The Italian tactician’s future at San Siro remains uncertain due to disagreements with Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic and CEO Giorgio Furlani.

Conte is expected to leave Napoli after just two seasons and has also publicly made himself available for a second stint as the Nazionale coach.