Pep Guardiola ‘in talks’ for Italy job as Leeds United favourite watches on | OneFootball

Leeds United favourite Willy Gnonto could yet work under Pep Guardiola amid reports of talks over the Italy job. Sky Sports in Italy reports that the Italian Football Federation has held talks with Guardiola, who recently left Manchester City. Discussions are believed to have taken place in Barcelona, and while any agreement remains uncertain, there is hope.

Gnonto, 22, has endured a stop-start international spell that mirrors his club situation. He has not won a senior cap since the month after Leeds were relegated in 2023 and has been in and out under Daniel Farke.

Only four of his 23 Premier League appearances last season were starts. Italy’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup ended faint hopes of a tournament platform, and Gennaro Gattuso departed in April after 10 months in charge.

Any recall will depend on regular minutes at club level, yet a Guardiola call-up would be a major opening.

Back in 2023, Gary Neville suggested Gnonto looked every inch a Manchester City-style winger and highlighted his mature decision-making after a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

The forward had shown promise in his first year at Elland Road, scoring against West Ham and Manchester United at 19. He will hope to underline that fit if an appointment is made.

Gnonto’s Leeds future beyond this summer remains unclear amid his search for game-time. Signed for £3.8 million in 2022, he is among fringe players who could generate profit and may consider moving for minutes.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk