Simone Inzaghi tipped to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 6 Apr 2025 13:18 BST
• 3 min read

News

Italy and Inter Milan legend Sandro Mazzola has tipped Simone Inzaghi to succeed Pep Guardiola as the next manager of Manchester City.

Guardiola’s future at City is very much in doubt past the end of the current season.

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Although Pep signed a contract extension until 2027 back in November, there are those who believe this was only to prevent his potential exit being a talking point all season.

One of the main names linked to replacing Pep is current Inter manager Inzaghi, who has proven himself as one of Europe’s top coaches over recent years. Mazzola believes he could be the man City replace Pep with, even if the Inter legend from the 1960s and 70s hopes Inzaghi stays at San Siro.

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What did Mazzola say?

“I both hope and think that Inzaghi will stay at Inter for many years to come. Then if he continues to win trophies, who can send him away?” Mazzola told SempreInter.com.

“More than at Arsenal, I see Inzaghi hypothetically as a replacement for Guardiola at Manchester City, but as I said I hope he stays at Inter.

“It would be beautiful if [he could stay at Inter for many years like Sir Alex Ferguson]. It could happen, but you never know. In Italian football this is very difficult.

“Inzaghi is outstanding at controlling and maintaining a dressing room, as well as tactically speaking and preparing for games.

“These last few years Inter have played very well.

“Simone [Inzaghi] is doing great things. Of course I am enjoying watching it. In fact, I call all my friends to talk about it like a kid.

“However, from an aesthetical point of view of the football played, I have to say that both us and them, played and play great football.”

Mazzola was part of the ‘Grande Inter’ team who dominated Italian and European football in the 1960s, winning the European Cup twice and reaching two more finals.

He was also a key player for the Italy national team, winning Euro 1968 and reaching the final of the World Cup in 1970.

As for Inzaghi, he took over at Inter in 2021 and has since won one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Supercups. He also reached the final of the 2023 Champions League where Inter were beaten 1-0 by Man City.