Report: Guardiola eyes national team role after Man City era amid Italy speculation | OneFootball

La Gazzetta dello Sport insists that Pep Guardiola is a credible candidate for the Italy job, as the Manchester City coach is keen on a national team role if he leaves the English club at the end of the season.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Manchester City coach Guardiola is keen on international management after the end of his spell at the Etihad Stadium.

The pink paper insists that Guardiola is strongly considering leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, especially if he completes a comeback over Arsenal and manages to win the Premier League.

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)

Guardiola still has a year left in his contract with Manchester City.

Gazzetta confirms that ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been identified as the ideal replacement at Manchester City, while Guardiola would be happy to take charge of a national team.

Gazzetta is currently the only Italian sports paper extensively reporting on Guardiola’s possible appointment as Italy’s coach; a scenario that would require help from FIGC sponsors to afford the Spaniard’s hefty wages.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Guardiola has built a solid bond with Italy, having played for Brescia and Roma as a footballer.

According to Gazzetta, people “who know Guardiola well” in Italy are convinced that the Manchester City coach is eager to take charge of a national team.

“Just as Carlo Ancelotti chose Brazil after winning everything at a club level, Pep could embark on a similar challenge once he leaves Manchester City,” wrote The Pink Paper.

Gazzetta argues that Guardiola would need to feel supported by the entire system, especially after his time at Manchester City, where he has worked in a united, cohesive environment.