Talks Confirmed with Financial Exception
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago has confirmed that the governing body has held talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming the next Italy head coach. In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago stated that financial exceptions would be required to accommodate Guardiola's salary. 'Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola,' Malago said. He stressed that while exceptions are possible, 'it is not certain that this thing will go through.' Malago also emphasized the importance of keeping the dialogue open, saying: 'I think it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.'[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a hugely successful 10-year reign, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League. He is currently free to take another job, although he remains in an advisory role with City Football Group. The Manchester Evening News understands that this role does not prevent him from taking a coaching position, and City's owners would be unlikely to block such a move.[S1][S2][S6]
According to reports, Guardiola earned approximately £20 million per year at Manchester City, a significant increase from the £680,000 salary that Gattuso had agreed to. Malago acknowledged that financial exceptions would be necessary, stating that 'it's an understatement to say we'd have to grit our teeth for this.' Guardiola has expressed a desire to coach at a World Cup or European Championship, making the Italy job attractive despite his lack of international management experience.[S3][S4][S6]
Other Candidates and Italy's Overhaul
Malago also revealed that other candidates are being considered, including former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. However, he emphasized that the shortlist is not limited to these three names. 'Absolutely not,' Malago replied when asked if Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo were the only candidates. 'We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.' He also noted that Antonio Conte has not been contacted for the role.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the four-time World Cup champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament. The FIGC is undergoing a major overhaul, with new technical director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo leading the search. The duo reportedly traveled to Barcelona for talks with Guardiola. Guardiola, who speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A for Brescia and Roma, has never managed a national team before.[S1][S2][S3][S6]
Italy's men's national team has historically been managed by Italians, with only two exceptions: Hungarian Lajos Czeizler in the 1950s and Argentine Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. If appointed, Guardiola would become the third non-Italian to lead the Azzurri. His appointment would mark a quick return to management after his departure from City, where he said he was 'so tired.' Guardiola's previous managerial stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich were also trophy-laden.[S2][S3]
