Italy have contacted Pep Guardiola about potentially becoming their next national team coach following the country's failure to qualify for this summer's World Cup, a source told ESPN. The conversation reportedly lasted barely a minute, as Guardiola has made clear his intention to take at least a year away from coaching after leaving Manchester City in May.

Three other national federations have also reached out to Guardiola's camp in recent weeks about a potential move into international management. Every approach has received the same response regarding his planned sabbatical, though some interested parties indicated a willingness to wait given the absence of a major international tournament next year.

The source could not confirm which other countries had made contact, though the Netherlands are believed to be among them following Ronald Koeman's departure after a round-of-32 exit against Morocco at the World Cup. England has also been repeatedly linked with Guardiola, though the Football Association has maintained its commitment to Thomas Tuchel despite England's semifinal loss to Argentina.

Italy's coaching search has been delayed by several factors since Gennaro Gattuso resigned following April's World Cup playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Italian Football Federation first needed to elect a new president, with Giovanni Malago winning that vote over Giancarlo Abete on June 22.

Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has since been appointed the national team's technical director, with former Brazil international Leonardo brought in as a consultant to assist the search for a new manager. Andrea Pirlo has also been mentioned as a candidate alongside Guardiola, though Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini remain the current front-runners for the position.

Italy has missed the last three World Cups, including 2018 and 2022, and failed to advance past the group stage in both 2010 and 2014 following its fourth World Cup title in 2006. The team has had greater recent success at the European Championship, winning the tournament in 2021 under Mancini's leadership.