Pep Guardiola has spoken with the Italian Football Federation about being the next head coach of the Italian national team, federation president Giovanni Malago has stated.
The former Manchester City manager is being considered for the position following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third straight FIFA World Cup and Gennaro Gattuso’s departure as head coach in April.
Guardiola left Manchester City this summer following a stellar 10-year tenure that included six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
Sky Italia had already reported communication between the FIGC and the 55-year-old Spaniard, with Malago admitting that negotiations had taken place.
Speaking to Italian sports portal Cronache di Spogliatoio on Wednesday, Malago said that the federation may make financial concessions to recruit a coach of Guardiola’s caliber
“Exceptions have been made, exceptions that, for example, may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola,” Malago added.
He noted that, while such considerations were possible, there was no assurance of reaching an agreement.
“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; former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and ex-Italian footballer Andrea Pirlo have also been connected with the role.
Mancini led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, and Pirlo presently manages Dubai United.
When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only alternatives, Malago stated the federation was looking into candidates who matched a specific profile.
Guardiola has never managed in Italy, although he has deep ties to the nation. He is fluent in Italian and played in Serie A with Brescia and Roma from 2001 to 2003.
If appointed, the Spaniard would return to management soon after quitting Manchester City, where he claimed he was physically and mentally drained after ten years in charge.
Guardiola previously had successful managerial stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning numerous domestic and European titles prior to his record-breaking term in England.
