Pep Guardiola is reportedly being lined up to become the next manager of the Italian national team.
The four-time World Cup winners are currently without a permanent head coach.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal
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Guardiola is reportedly wanted by the Italian national team this summerCredit: Getty
It follows Gennaro Gattuso's sacking after Italy failed to qualify for this summer's finals in North America.
Their penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina last month confirmed the Azzurri would miss a third consecutive World Cup.
Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina also resigned along with Gianluigi Buffon, who had been head of the delegation.
With Gattuso's successor yet to be named, Guardiola has now emerged as a potential target.
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Italian job
According to Marca, Italy have a 'dream' to appoint the Manchester City boss this summer.
Guardiola has a year remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium but could leave the club at the end of the current season.
It would follow 10 years in charge of City, with the club keen for an answer on his future.
Talks have already been held with Enzo Maresca over the possibility of succeeding Guardiola in the dugout.
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport also claim Guardiola is 'happy' to consider an offer from the Italian Football Federation.
If appointed, he would become only their second foreign manager and the first since Argentine Helenio Herrera between 1966 and 1967.
Pep Guardiola Manager / Head Coach of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal
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Guardiola is 'happy' to consider an offer to become Italy boss at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
Guardiola has spent 10 years in charge of City after previous successful roles at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Across the course of his managerial career, the 55-year-old has won a total of 40 trophies.
However, he is yet to take the step into international management.
When do Italy play next?
The Italy job would provide a clear objective, with the Azzurri not appearing at a World Cup since 2014.
Following their defeat to Bosnia in the play-offs, they will only play international friendlies this summer.
Silvio Baldini has been placed in interim charge for the matches against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
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Davide Frattesi of Italy react with disappointment during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy
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Italy failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row after losing to Bosnia in MarchCredit: Getty
Italy return to competitive action two months later in the Nations League, having been drawn alongside Belgium, Turkey and France.
The league phase comes ahead of the start of qualifying for Euro 2028 next year.