After leaving Man City, Pep will coach a once world-class national team

Given the scenario of Pep Guardiola leaving Etihad Stadium in summer 2026, the Italian national team is plotting a sensational plan to make the Spanish tactician the foreign savior of its football.

Italian football is undergoing a true seismic shock. Following the painful 1-4 defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying final, the dream of the "Azzurri" returning to the planet's biggest football festival has officially shattered for the third consecutive time. In that context, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is urgently seeking a name of sufficient stature to revive the fading empire, and Pep Guardiola is precisely the number one target aimed at.

According to the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, although familiar candidates like Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini, or Massimiliano Allegri are all on the shortlist, Pep Guardiola is the figure causing fans to "go wild." Pep's contract at Manchester City is valid only until the end of the 2025-2026 season, and signals from within Etihad indicate that his departure is increasingly evident.

Italy considering hiring a foreign coach is a historic decision, reflecting the stagnation of domestic strategists after Luciano Spalletti's era. Pep Guardiola – who once played in Serie A and always holds special affection for Italian football – is seen as the "perfect piece" to reconstruct the playing style and identity for the blue-shirted team.

The seriousness of this deal is further reinforced as Man City has also begun its succession plan. Football director Hugo Viana is compiling a shortlist of six potential names to ensure stability at Etihad.

Among them, Enzo Maresca – former Chelsea coach and Pep's former "right-hand man" – is emerging as the top candidate due to his deep understanding of the club's philosophy. Other prominent names like Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and legend Vincent Kompany are also being carefully considered. This meticulous preparation is the clearest proof that Man City is ready for a historic parting in summer 2026.

Although hiring Pep Guardiola still depends on many financial factors and his personal ambitions, FIGC is demonstrating immense determination. If securing Pep's signature, Italy would not only possess a genius mind but also create an unprecedented morale boost to overcome the decade-long crisis.

When the 2026 World Cup concludes without Italy's participation, Pep Guardiola's arrival that summer could mark the beginning of the most brilliant renaissance era that "Azzurri" fans have long awaited.