Paolo Maldini in Barcelona talks as FIGC eyes Pep Guardiola for Italy job

Paolo Maldini flew to Barcelona at the weekend to meet Pep Guardiola in person as Italy’s football federation explored hiring the Manchester City manager for the national team.

What happened?

Paolo Maldini and FIGC sporting director Leonardo met Pep Guardiola in Barcelona on a two-day trip to sound him out about the Italy head coach role. The federation confirmed the meeting ran across the entire weekend, with photos posted on social media showing Maldini and Leonardo alongside the Catalan coach. Sky Sport and CalcioMercato report the talks were direct but the substance and outcome remain under wraps.

Why it matters for Paolo Maldini

The meeting puts Maldini at the centre of Italy’s boldest leadership move in years. The federation’s president Giovanni Malagò had earlier ruled out only Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, but now faces a far heavier financial question. Malagò told Sky Sport the federation’s remaining budget-left from Gennaro Gattuso’s salary-is “a thousand miles” from the demands of a big-name coach like Guardiola.

What comes next?

Malagò said any Guardiola deal could only land in the 2027 financial year, if at all. The federation’s current funds leave little room for the six-figure package Guardiola would expect. Maldini and Leonardo’s trip signals ambition, yet the money hurdle remains formidable. The next few months will decide whether Italy can bridge the gap-or settle for a cheaper option.

Who else is in the frame?

Beyond Mancini and Pirlo, Malagò confirmed other names exist. The federation’s shortlist now stretches beyond its original pair, but the purse strings stay tight. Maldini’s role in the delegation underlines his growing influence inside the FIGC’s decision-making circle.