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•9 Aug 2026, 15:42

Maldini reveals Guardiola was close to becoming Italy coach

Paolo Maldini has revealed that Pep Guardiola came close to taking charge of Italy, with the pair even discussing player lists, line-ups and financial terms before Guardiola ultimately stepped away due to exhaustion. Maldini also revealed he wanted Andrea Pirlo as an alternative, but the federation rejected the proposal.