All leading Italian media outlets have confirmed that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have held discussions with Pep Guardiola, who is currently taking time to consider the proposal from the Italian Football Federation.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Maldini, who recently took over as Italy’s new technical director, and his advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona over the weekend to personally offer Guardiola the position as head coach of the Azzurri.

The question now being asked is whether Guardiola will agree to take charge of the Italian national team under Maldini’s direction.

Reports from major Italian sources on Tuesday reaffirmed the story and added insights into the decision Guardiola is weighing. Most outlets suggest that Guardiola is unlikely to accept the offer, not solely due to financial aspects, though there remains a glimmer of optimism.

As reported by La Repubblica, Guardiola is seriously evaluating the proposal and could deliver a final answer as early as tomorrow.

Just a few days earlier, Guardiola publicly stated his desire to take a break following an intense decade managing Manchester City, and that sentiment has not shifted. The Spaniard wishes to spend quality time with his family, particularly his 95-year-old father.

Nevertheless, the offer clearly intrigues him. The scale of the challenge — which extends beyond coaching the senior squad to reshaping Italy’s footballing philosophy — is said to appeal to him. As highlighted by Tuttosport, this would be a project similar in ambition to Johan Cruyff’s transformation of Barcelona and Spanish football.

Guardiola also shares a strong personal bond with Paolo Maldini. He famously dedicated his first UEFA Champions League triumph as a coach — Barcelona’s victory over Manchester United in 2009 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome — to the Italian legend.

Corriere della Sera, however, describes Maldini’s task to persuade Guardiola as “almost impossible.” Despite that, both Maldini and Leonardo, along with much of the Italian football community, continue to hold out hope.

Should Guardiola decline the position, the Italian Football Federation’s shortlist reportedly features Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini as the leading alternatives, with Antonio Conte also being considered.

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Pirlo remains the preferred choice if Guardiola turns down the job, while Corriere dello Sport believes Mancini would become the frontrunner should Pep decide against accepting the offer.