Italian sports chief wants national coach over Guardiola option

Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), has publicly urged that the next coach for the Italian national football team, the Azzurri, should be an Italian national. This plea comes at a time when Pep Guardiola's name has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant coaching role.

Buonfiglio stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera that while he does not wish to advise the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malagò, his sole request is for an Italian to be appointed. Malagò had previously confirmed that the federation was in discussions with the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City manager, though the prospect appears complex.

Buonfiglio defended his stance by highlighting that a significant majority of Serie A coaches are Italian, describing them as skilled, professional, and products of the nation's footballing tradition. "Why leave them out?" he questioned, emphasizing the quality and depth of Italian coaching talent.

He also shared a personal anecdote from his time leading the Italian Canoa Kayak Federation (FICK), where he hired a German coach. While the coach was competent, Buonfiglio felt he failed to understand the Italian mentality, leading to a lack of success and the undoing of previous progress.

Malagò had indicated a willingness to make a budgetary exception for Guardiola, should he be open to the role. However, Guardiola has repeatedly expressed a desire to take a break from coaching after leaving Manchester City. Other candidates reportedly include Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory in Euro 2020, and Andrea Pirlo, though they are not the only contenders.