Italy Ready To Break Bank For Guardiola, Says Federation President

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giovanni Malagò has revealed that Pep Guardiola has held talks over the possibility of becoming Italy’s next head coach, suggesting the federation is prepared to make financial “exceptions” to secure the Spaniard’s appointment.

Speaking on Monday, Malagò confirmed that Guardiola is among the leading candidates to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down in April after Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time.

Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after an extraordinary spell in which he won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

The 55-year-old has never managed a national team, but his experience in Italian football—having played in Serie A between 2001 and 2003—and his fluency in the language have strengthened speculation linking him with the Azzurri job.

Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malagò said Guardiola had already been involved in discussions with the federation and acknowledged that his salary demands could require special financial arrangements.

He also named former Italy manager Roberto Mancini and ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo among the contenders for the role, while stressing that the federation is still considering other candidates.

Although the FIGC has yet to announce a timetable for appointing a new head coach, Guardiola’s emergence as a serious candidate is expected to fuel excitement among Italy supporters as the four-time world champions seek to rebuild after another disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.