Italy bets on Maldini to bring Guardiola as coach

Italy bets on Maldini to bring Guardiola as coach

According to Vi.

Context

Paolo Maldini, recently appointed technical director of the Italian national team, is looking for a new coach for the Azzurri, with Pep Guardiola as one of the main targets. The national team is facing a critical moment, and choosing a strong coach is essential to turn around its current situation, especially with the imminent challenges in the UEFA Nations League.

Why this matters

The hiring of Pep Guardiola as coach of the Italian national team could mark a new era for the Azzurri, especially after their absence from three consecutive World Cups. The presence of a world-renowned coach could revitalize the team and increase its chances in future competitions such as the UEFA Nations League. Italy, under the leadership of Paolo Maldini, are looking to restore their prestige in international football, and Guardiola is seen as key to that revival.

Main conclusions

• Italy bets on Maldini to bring Guardiola as coach.
• Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the Italian national team, is trying to convince Pep Guardiola to become the team's coach, as Italy prepares for the challenges of the UEFA Nations League.
• 'Italië hoopt via Maldini Guardiola te strikken als bondscoach'.

Paolo Maldini, football legend and recently appointed technical director of the Italian national team, is putting his money behind one big goal: convincing Pep Guardiola to take charge of the Azzurri. The information was revealed by Italian press outlets and highlights Maldini's ambition to revive the team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. Maldini's mission has the support of his former Milan teammate, Leonardo, who will act in an advisory role. The pair are preparing for Italy's next challenges in the UEFA Nations League, where they will face teams such as Türkiye, Belgium and France between September and October. The choice of Guardiola as a potential candidate for the position of coach comes with strength, especially after the success that the Spaniard has had in his recent career, including achievements in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. The current situation of the Italian team is worrying, and the need for change has become evident. Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to the Eurocup title in 2021, was also considered to return to the role, as were other big names such as Antonio Conte, Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo. All of these coaches were evaluated as possible replacements for Gennaro Gattuso, who failed to lead the team to qualify for the World Cup, losing to the Bosnian team in the qualifiers. However, the financial issue could be a significant obstacle in hiring Guardiola. Sources indicate that the Spanish coach received around 25 million euros per year in his last contract with Manchester City, which could be a burden for the Italian Football Federation. Alessandro Costacurta, former Italian national team player and colleague of Maldini and Leonardo, praised the new direction of theAzzurra. In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, he stated that Maldini's choice could be even more important than the selection of the new coach, highlighting the complementary qualities between Maldini and Leonardo: "Leo is a dreamer, a visionary, while Paolo is practical and based on knowledge and instinct." With a new era dawning, Italy hopes that the combination of Maldini and Guardiola can bring back the glory days of the team, which is in urgent need of revitalization.

What happens next

With Italy preparing for UEFA Nations League challenges against Türkiye, Belgium and France, the pressure for a decision on a new coach is mounting. Maldini and Leonardo are looking for a coach who can bring immediate results and a new playing philosophy. While Guardiola is a strong name, the financial issue could complicate the negotiation, and other candidates such as Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte continue to be considered.