News Focus
- Pep Guardiola has ended his ten-year reign at Manchester City
- Italy are hunting for a new manager after failing to reach the World Cup
- Leonardo Bonucci supports the idea but Fabio Capello has doubts
- The Italian Football Federation will appoint a coach after June 2026
Pep Guardiola has recently closed a successful decade at Manchester City. The Catalan tactician left the Etihad Stadium, passing the reins to his former assistant Enzo Maresca. Now, fresh reports link him with a surprise switch to international management.
The Italy national team currently lacks a permanent boss. The Azzurri suffered another disappointing failure in their attempt to qualify for the World Cup. Their last appearance at the global tournament remains the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Leonardo Bonucci, a former Italy defender, has publicly championed Guardiola for the role. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in March, Bonucci labelled the prospect a dream scenario. He argued that hiring the Spaniard would signal a clean break from previous methods.
However, Fabio Capello holds a different view. The ex-England and Italy coach questions whether Guardiola’s club methods would translate to international football. Capello explains that national team bosses act as selectors rather than daily trainers. They cannot buy new players and must work with limited squads.
Capello also notes that Guardiola typically demands specific signings to fit his system. This advantage disappears at international level where coaches use available talent. Despite these concerns, Capello admits Guardiola’s intelligence might help him adapt quickly.
The Italian Football Federation plans to delay their decision. They will name the new coach after June 22, 2026, following elections for a new FIGC President. Other candidates currently lead the betting, with Antonio Conte, Claudio Ranieri, Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini considered stronger favourites than Guardiola.