Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation, is doing his utmost to sign Pep Guardiola as the new coach of the team, in preparation for the 2028 European Championship to be held in the United Kingdom and Ireland, a move that could return the 'Azzurri' to the ranks of the top teams after years of marginalization.

According to a report published by Sky Italy, a meeting was held in Barcelona last weekend between the AC Milan legend and the Spanish coach, who remains without a club after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, attended by Leonardo, a member of the Italian national team's technical staff.

The meeting was an initial contact regarding the appointment of the Catalan coach, who stated a few days ago that he is living a quiet life after leaving Manchester City, but Italy has always held a special place in his heart since he played for Brescia and Roma at the beginning of the third millennium.

Guardiola appears to be the favorite to take over as coach of the Italian national team, despite other candidates such as Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, as the Italian Federation dreams of the Catalan coach leading the team that has suffered years of marginalization and missed the 2026 World Cup for the third consecutive time.

It is noteworthy that Maldini was recently appointed as the new technical director of the Italian Football Federation, in an attempt to rebuild the team and prepare it for upcoming major tournaments.