Pep Guardiola has reportedly emerged as a candidate for the vacant head coach position of the Italian national team, following Gennaro Gattuso's departure.

Gattuso was relieved of his managerial duties by the Azzurri earlier this month, after failing to guide the country to the World Cup this summer, which has had a seismic impact on Italy's internal football hierarchy.

Following defeat on penalties by Bosnia in their play-off final, the head of Italy's football association (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina resigned, with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon - who was head of Italy's delegation - also stepping down.

But despite the current chaos, the Italian football federation have a 'dream' to convince Guardiola to leave Manchester City and lead the national team in its new era, Spanish media outlet Marca reports.

The City boss still has a further year on his current deal, but there has been uncertainty surrounding his position beyond this season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Guardiola would be 'happy' to consider an offer from the Italian national team should it come his way. 

A move for Guardiola from Italy is 'not ruled out' - but the financial element of bringing in the Spaniard is said to be challenging.

At City, he is said to be earning €24.8 million (£21.5m) per year, which is monumentally more than what national team managers usually make. 

It has been reported that Euro 2020-winning head coach and former City manager, Roberto Mancini, earned €3 million (£2.6m) after leading Italy to victory.

Nevertheless, the financial barriers in the way have not stopped Leonardo Bonucci, who currently works with the Italian federation, from 'dreaming' of bringing in Guardiola.

'I would start again with Guardiola,' the former Italy defender said earlier this week. 'He is the right man for Italy. I know it's not easy, but dreaming costs nothing.'

Guardiola has also hinted in the past that he would like to move into international management later in his career.

'I would like to have the experience of a World Cup, a European Championship, a Copa América, anything,' Guardiola told ESPN in 2021. 

'I would like to experience a major national team competition. I don't know when, in five, 10, or 15 years, but I would like to play in a World Cup as a coach. 

'To work with a national team, they have to want you and hire you, just like with clubs. I don't know who wants me to work with a national team.'