Italy Step Up Pursuit of Pep Guardiola as Maldini Holds Barcelona Talks

The Italian Football Federation has reportedly intensified its search for a new national team manager by making Pep Guardiola its top priority. Following Italy's continued struggles on the international stage, the federation is determined to appoint a high-profile coach capable of leading the Azzurri into a new era.

According to reports, newly appointed technical director Paolo Maldini, accompanied by adviser Leonardo, traveled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola in person. The pair are said to have spent several days presenting Italy's long-term vision and outlining the project they hope will convince the Spanish coach to take charge of the national team.

Guardiola has yet to reveal whether he is interested in the position. However, Italy's football authorities are believed to be making a serious effort to secure his signature. Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo have also been mentioned as alternative candidates, but Guardiola remains the federation's preferred choice.

The coaching search follows another disappointing chapter for Italian football after the national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time. The setback prompted major changes within the federation, including the appointments of Maldini and Leonardo, who were tasked with rebuilding the national team after Gennaro Gattuso's departure.

Guardiola is currently without a club for the first time in a decade after ending his successful spell with Manchester City, where he collected 20 trophies and established one of Europe's most dominant teams. Although he has repeatedly expressed his desire to take a break from club management and spend more time with his family, he has previously suggested that coaching a national team could be an appealing challenge, leaving the door open for a potential move to Italy.