Pep Guardiola seen as potential successor to Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s national team manager
Pep Guardiola has emerged as a potential successor to Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s national team manager, with the Italian football federation reportedly harbouring ambitions of persuading the Manchester City boss to take charge of the Azzurri following a turbulent period for the organisation, reports BritPanorama.
Gattuso was dismissed from his role earlier this month after Italy’s failure to secure qualification for this summer’s World Cup, losing on penalties to Bosnia in their play-off final. The fallout has been significant, with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina stepping down from his position. Gianluigi Buffon, who served as head of Italy’s delegation, has also departed.
Convincing Guardiola to swap the Etihad for the Azzurri presents a formidable financial obstacle for Italian football authorities, according to Spanish outlet Marca. The Spaniard currently earns approximately £21.5 million annually at City, a figure that dwarfs typical international management salaries. By comparison, Roberto Mancini reportedly received just £2.6 million per year when he guided Italy to European Championship glory in 2020.
Despite this substantial wage disparity, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Guardiola would be receptive to an approach from the Italian federation. The possibility of the 55-year-old taking the role has not been dismissed, though the monetary challenges remain considerable. Guardiola has one year remaining on his current Manchester City contract, with uncertainty surrounding his future beyond this season.
Leonardo Bonucci, the former Italy defender who now works with the Italian federation, has thrown his weight behind the ambitious pursuit of Guardiola. Speaking earlier this week, Bonucci made clear his preference for the Manchester City manager to lead Italy’s rebuild. “I would start again with Guardiola,” he said. “He is the right man for Italy. I know it’s not easy, but dreaming costs nothing.”
The endorsement from a figure within the federation suggests there is genuine appetite to explore the possibility, regardless of the practical hurdles involved. Bonucci’s comments reflect a determination within Italian football circles to aim high as they seek to recover from their World Cup disappointment. The prospect of international management is one Guardiola has previously expressed interest in pursuing.
In an interview with ESPN in 2021, the City boss outlined his aspirations beyond club football. “I would like to have the experience of a World Cup, a European Championship, a Copa América, anything,” Guardiola said. He added, “To work with a national team, they have to want you and hire you, just like with clubs. I don’t know who wants me to work with a national team.”
The potential shift in pressure from managing a club to helming a national team carries its own complexities. Yet, should Guardiola make the leap, it could mark a significant moment for both the Italian team and his storied career.
