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Pep Guardiola has reportedly held discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regarding the possibility of becoming the next head coach of Italy’s national football team.

According to reports, the FIGC views Guardiola as the ideal candidate to revive the fortunes of the Azzurri, who have failed to qualify for the last three consecutive World Cups.

While it remains uncertain whether Guardiola is interested in taking up the position, the former Manchester City manager is said to be at the top of the federation’s shortlist.

Sky Italy has reported that a delegation, including newly appointed Italian Football Federation technical director Paolo Maldini and his assistant Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola.

The discussions are said to have stretched over three days, an indication that Guardiola has not outright dismissed the proposal.

Maldini and Leonardo’s involvement is part of a broader restructuring effort by the FIGC aimed at restoring Italy’s footballing success. The national team has not qualified for a World Cup since 2014, and the federation is determined to change that trajectory.

Guardiola has been identified as the leading candidate to guide Italy back to prominence on the global stage.

After their triumph at the UEFA Euro 2021 tournament, Italy have endured a challenging period. Their recent disappointment came when they were eliminated from the Euro 2024 competition by Switzerland.

Guardiola, however, is not the only name on the FIGC’s list to succeed former manager Gennaro Gattuso. Reports suggest that Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to their Euro 2021 victory, is also under consideration.

Another potential candidate for the position is Andrea Pirlo, who currently manages a club based in Dubai.

Convincing Guardiola to accept the role may prove difficult, as he previously told Sky Sports that he had “no plans for coaching for a while” and added, “I need to step back.”

Nonetheless, Guardiola has previously expressed interest in taking on an international coaching role and was reportedly close to accepting the England job following Gareth Southgate’s tenure.