Italy National Team Could Be Guardiola’s Next Move, Says Bonucci

Pep Guardiola Reportedly Open to Taking Charge of Italy

According to Главком: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly ready to lead the Italian national team after the current season ends. This news comes from La Gazzetta dello Sport via Glavkom. Leonardo Bonucci, a member of Italy’s coaching staff, has publicly backed the idea. Bonucci stated:

“If there is a genuine desire to start over, I would prioritize Guardiola.”

He added that while organizing such a move would be challenging, working with a coach of Guardiola’s caliber is a dream.

Potential Shifts at Manchester City

Manchester City has indicated it will support whatever decision their head coach makes. Should Guardiola leave the club this summer, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to take over. Preliminary discussions with Maresca have already taken place.

Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has amassed over 15 trophies. His achievements include:

• Six English Premier League titles
• Two FA Cups
• Five League Cups
• UEFA Champions League victories
• UEFA Super Cup

He holds the record for the most wins by a manager in their first 300 Premier League matches, with 221 victories. Overall, Guardiola has won more than 15 trophies with Manchester City, surpassing his previous record of 14 trophies during his tenure at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Italy’s national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In a decisive playoff match, Gennaro Gattuso’s squad lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. This situation highlights the urgent need for a change in leadership, making Guardiola an attractive candidate to restore Italy’s footballing success.

Given Italy’s recent struggles, appointing an experienced manager like Pep Guardiola could be a pivotal step toward reviving the team’s international standing. His track record in club football demonstrates an ability to develop players and build competitive sides-qualities that could help restore Italy’s former glory. At the same time, Guardiola’s decision on a potential move could significantly impact Manchester City’s future trajectory, as the club also harbors ambitions on the European stage.

As discussions around Guardiola's potential departure from Manchester City heat up, the club is already considering Enzo Maresca as a possible replacement. This transition could significantly impact both Guardiola's future and Italy's national team ambitions, making it a pivotal moment in football management.