Pep Guardiola has had huge success managing in Spain, Germany and England – could Italy be next? Sky in Italy have reported that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has held talks with the former Manchester City boss, external to try to convince him to become their new national team head coach. Reports say legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona and spoke with Guardiola over three days. However, it would not be his first taste of Italian football. Italy beat England in the European Championship final in 2021 but have failed to qualify for three successive World Cups.