The Italian football federation (FIGC) has initiated discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding a potential coaching role, following the nation's failure to qualify for the World Cup.This comes after Gennaro Gattuso resigned as head coach in April, marking a significant moment in Italian football's recent struggles.

Guardiola, 55, departed Manchester City after a successful decade, during which he secured multiple titles including six Premier League championships and the Champions League.

His potential appointment is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing Italy's national team, which has faced criticism for its poor performance in international competitions.FIGC president Giovanni Malago hinted at financial flexibility to attract high-profile candidates like Guardiola, though the deal remains uncertain.

The context of Italy's football crisis includes a collapse in youth development and a lack of competitive success, prompting calls for systemic reforms.This development underscores the pressure on Italian football to recover from its recent setbacks and reestablish itself as a global powerhouse.