Maldini meets Guardiola as Italy seeks new national coach

Italy's national football team is on the hunt for a new coach, with Paolo Maldini, the new technical director, reportedly setting his sights on Pep Guardiola. Sky Italia reported that Maldini met with the 55-year-old Guardiola in Barcelona over the weekend. Guardiola is currently without a club after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season.

The meeting, which also included Leonardo from the new technical leadership of the Italian national team, was reportedly the first step in exploring the possibility of the Catalan coach taking over the Italian squad before the 2028 European Championship. Guardiola recently expressed enjoyment in his break from football but has a history with Italy, having played for Brescia and Roma.

The Italian Football Federation is seeking a new direction after failing to qualify for the World Cup. While other names like Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo have been mentioned as potential candidates, Sky Italia claims Guardiola remains Maldini's priority. Italy is also preparing to compete in the Nations League in two months, facing France, Belgium, and Turkey in their group.

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The first conversation with the aim of exploring the possibility of the Catalan taking over the Italian national team.