Football NewsFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 9 Aug 2026
Guardiola 'very close' to Italy job, says Maldini
Pep Guardiola was already sketching Italy formations before exhaustion ended the talks.
Guardiola
coach
Role
Italy head coach candidate
Reason
Exhaustion after 10 years in Premier League
Salary
Money not an issue, willing to take less
What happened. Paolo Maldini revealed that Pep Guardiola was very tempted to become Italy coach, even drafting formations, but turned it down due to exhaustion.
- Maldini and Leonardo met Guardiola in Barcelona for a day of talks.
- Guardiola had back surgery and wants rest.
- Maldini denies reports of a €20m salary demand.
“He was very tempted. He came very close to accepting. He even started writing formations down on pieces of paper.”
— Paolo Maldini
Guardiola remains a free agent after leaving Manchester City, with Italy still seeking a new coach.
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