Pep Guardiola's stance on accepting job offer after Man City exit revealed - expert
Pep Guardiola could be offered the opportunity to become the next manager of the Italy national team as they plan a major overhaul.
Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup sparked plans for a major overhaul of Italian football, with plans to reshape their structure from the national team downwards.
No foreign manager has taken the reins of the Italy national team since 1967, but looking at England's current progress under Thomas Tuchel, they could be tempted to change that course.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Guardiola will "certainly" be a leading target for Italy, but he is unlikely to return to management yet.
The former Man City boss is expected to take an extended break after he left the Etihad earlier this summer following ten trophy-laiden years in English football.
Guardiola has previously confessed his desire to one day manage at international level, but the Italy job may come slightly too soon for his immediate plans.
Could Pep Guardiola be offered the Italy job?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in May that Guardiola's next job is likely to be in international football following his departure from Man City.
The boss has previously taken time out of the game, notably after he left Barcelona in 2012, and is now expected to do so again given the length of time he spent at City.
That could see Italy miss out on their dream managerial target, and while the allure of international future may tempt Guardiola in the future, it would be a surprise right now.
"International management is always going to be an option for Pep Guardiola," Brown told Football Insider.
"Initially, it looks like he's going to take a break from management, he took a year out once before and from what I'm told that's what his plan is at the moment.
"The talk about the Italy role has come as they look to make major changes there after not making it to the World Cup, the whole landscape of football in Italy needs reviewing.
"I don't think there's too much Guardiola can do in that respect as the manager of the national team, it's hard to change things from the top down.
"But it's an opportunity that might interest him one day, international management, and the chance to take over with Italy would be tempting.
"I expect it's something he will want to explore at some stage in his career, but I would be very surprised if we see him back in management in the next few months."
What is next for Guardiola after leaving Man City?
Guardiola made the decision to step down as Man City manager at the end of last season, despite having one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.
The boss called time on a spell during which he lifted 20 trophies in ten years, and is now eyeing his next steps, with a break from management set to split his roles.
However, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider he would not be surprised to see Guardiola return to the Etihad one day.
Given his connections to the club and the city of Manchester, as well as the connections built during his time there, it cannot be ruled out that the manager may one day return.
He has also been linked with a number of different managerial roles in international football aside from Italy, with the England job often tipped, and that could one day be possible.