Italy’s Sport Minister criticises public approach to Guardiola: ‘A gamble’ | OneFootball

Italy’s Sport Minister Andrea Abodi notes that the FIGC should have kept talks with Pep Guardiola secret, but hopes Andrea Pirlo will ‘show his worth’ as the Azzurri coach.

Italy are set to appoint Pirlo as their new head coach, with the former midfielder expected to sign a four-year deal.

Newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini and Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to hold talks with Guardiola, who, however, didn’t make himself available.

Abodi: Italy’s public Guardiola approach ‘a gamble’

The pair confirmed the news during a press conference this past Thursday. Maldini added that he had also spoken to Carlo Ancelotti.

“I don’t know whether Guardiola had thought this through. I believe that, when it comes to publicly communicating an option like this, either you have a reasonable degree of confidence that you can achieve the outcome, or it’s better to keep it discreet,” Italy’s Sport Minister Andrea Abodi told Sky TG 24 via TMW.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts 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)

“The alternatives seem so far apart that it was probably a gamble to bring it up without being certain of getting a yes.

“Gambles are always a hazard, so we need decisions that make sense, and only the pitch will determine whether a decision has been farsighted, given that the agreement should be for four years,” Abodi continued.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 03: Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi attends during the 1st SS Lazio conference: bullying and cyberbullying in schools and sports at the Olimpic stadium on June 03, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“I won’t express an opinion because I’m a fan of the national team, and I hope that this choice by President Malagò, alongside Maldini and Leonardo, will lead to the results we hope for, knowing that it’s a long-term path.

“Pirlo has his own experience as a coach, proving his worth. I hope he can further confirm it.”

Pirlo is currently in charge of UAE side United FC and must terminate his contract with his club before signing a four-year deal with the FIGC.

He has previously coached Juventus, Sampdoria and Turkish side Karagumruk. He won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first and only season at Juventus in the 2020-21 campaign.