Italy needs change. This is one of the decisions that will change not only the bench but also the atmosphere of the country. And in this scenario comes a name that changes everything: Pep Guardiola. The Italian federation is considering the possibility of luring the Manchester City manager to become Azzurri manager, a complex maneuver that borders on desire and reality, but it has not been ruled out from the start.
The main problem is money. Guardiola, who also had links with Brazil, earned a salary at City that was unattainable by FIGC’s usual standards, totaling around 24.8 million euros, a far cry from the wages Italy has managed in recent years. Roberto Mancini earned a net profit of 3 million after winning the European Championship. Even that amount does not come close to Pep’s current position, but the federation is remembering precedent. When Antonio Conte joined Italy’s bench in 2014, sponsors took over a significant portion of his salary.
There is potential for progress. Puma is a brand linked to Guardiola and a sponsor with close ties to the manager, but could play a similar role to that played by commercial partners in Conte’s appointment. It will not only be a question of signing a coach, but also of building a project around a world-class figure who can revive Italy’s image, which has been tarnished by years of damage to the sport.
This idea also has an emotional component. Guardiola has always shown love for Italy. He played for Brescia and Roma, speaks Italian and has admitted several times his admiration for Italian football. In 2018, when asked about the possibility of working in Serie A or domestically, he left the door open: “Why not?” Now, the scenario is different. It’s not a club, it’s a national team.
he wants to be on the national team
“I want to experience any kind of competition, whether it’s the World Cup, the European Championship, the Copa America. I want to experience a major national team game. I don’t know when it will be in five, 10, 15 years, but I want to play in a World Cup as a manager. To work for a national team, just like at a club, you have to be wanted and hired. I don’t know who wants me to work for the national team,” he told ESPN in 2021.
Leonardo Bonucci, who is currently involved in the federation’s activities, expressed his dreams a few days ago, saying, “I want to start again with Guardiola. He is the right person for Italy. I know it won’t be easy, but it costs nothing to dream.” His phrase gained attention at a time when the FIGC is facing elections and seeking a new direction after Gattuso’s term.
Looking to the future
Guardiola still has time left on his contract with Manchester City and his current goal is to finish the season with the Premier League and FA Cup ahead of him. There has been talk of a possible departure in England and Catalonia for several months, but Pep has yet to make a final decision. What is clear is that if he leaves City, the option of the national team has been appealing to him for some time. There’s less daily wear and tear than at the club, but there’s plenty of competitive adrenaline.
One of his big hopes is England, where manager Thomas Tuchel has a contract until 2028. Brazil have renewed Carlo Ancelotti’s contract until 2030. And Italy will want to keep an eye out in case Guardiola’s love for his country is more important than money. It’s not easy to operate. But at FIGC, we’re starting to think at least a call is a must. Pep from Cityzen to Azzurro: It’s an expensive, difficult and perhaps not impossible dream.
