Pep Guardiola has reportedly emerged as the Italian Football Federation’s dream candidate to become the next head coach of the Italy national team after holding face-to-face talks with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in Barcelona.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the trio met over the weekend to discuss the vacant position, although Guardiola’s ongoing sabbatical remains the biggest obstacle to any potential appointment.

Italy identify Guardiola as first-choice candidate

Italy are searching for a new manager following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.

As part of that search, former Italy captain Paolo Maldini and ex-AC Milan sporting director Leonardo reportedly travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola.

Photos of Maldini and Leonardo together in Spain surfaced on social media before Sky Sport Italia reported that the meeting centred on Italy’s managerial vacancy. The discussions are understood to have extended beyond an initial meeting and may have continued throughout the weekend.

Guardiola is believed to be the federation’s preferred choice as it looks to rebuild the national team.

Pep Guardiola has repeatedly insisted he is enjoying life away from football

Despite Italy’s interest, Guardiola has consistently maintained that he has no immediate plans to return to coaching.

The former Manchester City manager recently explained that stepping away from football was a personal decision rather than a professional one.

“From a mental standpoint, I don’t miss anything at all. I started managing at 37, and my entire life has been bound to football. Now, I want to try and discover life, to be happy doing other things that have nothing to do with football.”

Guardiola also stressed that he wants to prioritise spending time with his family during his break.

“I’m trying to figure out what my life will look like. I decided to stop because I want to take a bit more care of myself. I want to spend more time with my children and with my father, who is 95 and still with us.”

The 55-year-old added that he is still adjusting to life away from management but is enjoying the experience.

Italy continue to explore alternative candidates

While Guardiola remains the federation’s ideal appointment, Italy are not relying solely on persuading the Spaniard to end his sabbatical.

Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo have both been linked with the role in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, reports have also suggested Antonio Conte is among the leading candidates, with some outlets claiming an agreement has already been reached.

What’s next?

Italy’s hopes of landing Guardiola will likely depend on whether the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City manager is prepared to cut short his planned break from football.

For now, Guardiola has given every indication that he intends to continue his sabbatical, leaving the Italian federation to weigh up alternative options while awaiting clarity from its preferred candidate.