Pep Guardiola has held talks with the Italian Football Federation over the possibility of becoming the next head coach of the Italy national team, federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.
The former Manchester City manager is being considered for the role following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup and the departure of Gennaro Gattuso as head coach in April.
Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after a successful 10-year spell, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the UEFA Champions League.
Reports from Sky Italia had earlier revealed contact between the FIGC and the 55-year-old Spaniard, with Malago confirming that discussions had taken place.
Speaking to Italian sports platform Cronache di Spogliatoio on Wednesday, Malago said the federation could make financial exceptions to attract a coach of Guardiola’s calibre.
“Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola,” Malago said.
He added that while such considerations were possible, there was no guarantee that an agreement would be reached.
“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through,” he said.
Guardiola is not the only candidate under consideration, with former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo also linked with the position.
Mancini guided Italy to victory at Euro 2020, while Pirlo is currently managing Dubai United.
When asked if Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo were the only options, Malago said the federation was considering candidates who fit a particular profile.
Guardiola has never managed in Italy but has strong ties to the country. He speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, representing Brescia and Roma.
If appointed, the Spaniard would return to management shortly after leaving Manchester City, where he admitted he was physically and mentally exhausted after a decade in charge.
Guardiola previously enjoyed successful managerial spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning several domestic and European trophies before his record-breaking tenure in England.
Source: The Punch
