Pep Guardiola, the highly successful former manager of Manchester City, has engaged in talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regarding the vacant position of Italy's men's national team head coach. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed the discussions, indicating that significant financial 'exceptions' could be made to secure Guardiola's services, highlighting the federation's keen interest in the Spaniard.
Guardiola concluded his illustrious ten-year tenure at Manchester City earlier this summer, a period that saw him secure six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the coveted Champions League. His departure in May, citing fatigue, marked the end of a dominant era in English football. Italy is currently without a head coach following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April, a decision prompted by the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
The possibility of Guardiola taking the helm of the Azzurri has generated considerable excitement. While he has never managed in Italy, Guardiola is fluent in Italian and has prior experience playing in Serie A, with spells at Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003. Malago's comments to Italian digital sports media platform Cronache di spogliatoio confirmed the federation's openness to accommodating Guardiola's salary demands, describing him as a 'name that is so overbearing in these hours'.
Despite the strong interest in Guardiola, Malago stressed that he is not the sole candidate under consideration. Former Italy manager Roberto Mancini, who led the team to Euro 2020 glory five years ago, and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, currently managing Dubai United, are also reportedly on the shortlist. Historically, Italy's national team has almost exclusively been managed by Italians, with only two prior exceptions involving non-Italian coaches.
Should Guardiola accept the role, it would represent a swift return to football management after his emotional departure from Manchester City. His previous managerial stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich were also marked by significant trophy hauls, making him one of the most decorated coaches in modern football. The decision on Italy's next head coach is keenly anticipated as the nation looks to rebuild and return to major international tournaments.