The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has entered into discussions with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant head coach role for the Italy national team, president Giovanni Malago has confirmed. Following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April—a move that came after the four-time champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup—the federation has been searching for a new leader.
Malago indicated that the federation is prepared to make financial "exceptions" to secure a manager of the 55-year-old's caliber. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago stated, "(Financial) exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola." He added that while these exceptions are being considered for specific reasons he chose not to elaborate on, there is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized.
Guardiola concluded a successful 10-year tenure at Manchester City at the end of last season, securing six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League trophy. Despite the interest, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss previously stated during his final press conference with City that he does not intend to take a new coaching position for some time. Citing a need to "step back" and a lack of "energy" to meet the high expectations of title-chasing, he noted that he would not be coaching in the near future.
When asked if the search was limited to Guardiola, Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to victory at Euro 2020, and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Malago clarified that the shortlist is not restricted to those three names. "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category," he said. Should the federation appoint a foreign manager, it would be a rare move; Italy has only hired one non-Italian coach in the last 60 years, with Argentine Helenio Herrera managing the side alongside Ferruccio Valcareggi between 1966 and 1967.
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