Italy FA Confirms Talks With Pep Guardiola Over National Team Job

The head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that discussions were held with legendary manager Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant Italy national team coaching role, although he admitted there is no certainty that a deal will be reached.

Speaking in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio (Dressing Room Chronicles), Giovanni Malagò revealed that contact had been made with the former Manchester City boss as Italy continues its search for a new head coach.

When asked whether the federation would be willing to increase its budget to accommodate Guardiola’s salary demands, Malagò acknowledged that an exception could be made.

“Yes, and that is the exception for obvious reasons,” he said.

However, he stressed that while discussions have taken place, nothing has been agreed.

“I won’t go into detail here, but I’m not sure this will come about. However, I still believe it was the right thing to do. It was important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.”

Guardiola’s Previous Experience in Italian Football

Guardiola is no stranger to Italian football, having spent two seasons in Serie A during his playing career with Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003.

His understanding of the Italian game has made him one of the standout names linked with the national team vacancy.

Italy Looking to Recover After World Cup Disappointment

The search for a new manager comes after another disappointing chapter for the Italy national football team, which failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive tournament following their elimination in March.

Despite their recent struggles, the Azzurri remain one of the most successful nations in football history, having won the FIFA World Cup on four occasions.

Guardiola’s Trophy-Laden Manchester City Career

Guardiola, 55, left Manchester City at the end of last season after an extraordinary spell in charge of the Premier League champions.

During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spanish manager guided City to six Premier League titles, a historic UEFA Champions League triumph, and established one of the most dominant teams in English football history.

Pirlo and Mancini Also Linked With Italy Job

According to reports in the Italian media, former Italy internationals Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini are also under consideration for the position.

Mancini previously led the Italy national team to victory at UEFA Euro 2020, while Pirlo has continued to build his coaching career since retiring as one of Italy’s greatest midfielders.

Italy’s next competitive fixture is against Belgium on September 25 in the UEFA Nations League, by which time the federation will hope to have appointed its new manager.