Maldini says Guardiola was close to becoming Italy manager

Paolo Maldini says Italy came “very close” to appointing Pep Guardiola as manager after the pair held extensive talks in Barcelona about the role.

Maldini, the former technical director of the Italian Football Federation, revealed details of the negotiations in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. He said Guardiola had shown a strong interest in taking charge of a national team and had even started working on possible line-ups before eventually turning down the offer.

“We were very close to signing Pep Guardiola to take charge of the Italy national team,” Maldini said.

He added: “Guardiola is the coach who best embodies a technical and attacking style of play, and through some of our friends, he had expressed his desire to coach a national team.”

Maldini explained that he and his colleagues travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola.

“We went to meet him in Barcelona, had lunch together and talked throughout the day. He was extremely enthusiastic and was very close to agreeing. He even started writing formations on pieces of paper,” he said.

“After a few days, Pep decided to reject the offer because he was feeling exhausted and wanted to spend some time with his family. We respect his decision.”

Maldini resigned from his position with the Italian Football Federation just 15 days after being appointed. Claudio Ranieri was also appointed to the role.

Maldini’s spell with the federation lasted from 11 July until 27 July.

Roberto Mancini subsequently took charge of the Italy national team. It marked his return to the Azzurri after he left the position in August 2023 to become manager of the Saudi Arabia national team.

Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation, had informed members of the federal council that Mancini would lead Italy.

Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 to 2023, overseeing 58 matches. During that period, his side won 38 games, drew 12 and lost eight.

Italy won Euro 2020 under Mancini, but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

The 61-year-old then moved into international management with Saudi Arabia. Across 18 matches, he recorded seven wins, six defeats and six draws before leaving the post in October 2024.

Mancini became manager of Al Sadd in November 2025, but parted company with the club last month.