Italy negotiating with Guardiola for national team manager role

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed this Tuesday that it is in negotiations with Pep Guardiola regarding the possibility of appointing him as the national team's head coach. Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, clarified, however, that the conclusion of this agreement is not guaranteed: "It was important and correct to open a dialogue and keep it alive, but this should not be interpreted as a lack of consideration for the other candidates." (Source: Marca)

To entice the Spanish coach, the Italian federation has stated it is willing to make a budgetary exception. "Exceptions have been made, such as for the name that has been making headlines these days: Pep Guardiola," he said on the set of *Vivavoce*, an Italian sports and social talk show. Malagò also dropped a cryptic remark: "There could be a surprise. Wait a few more days, and you will have all the answers." In addition to Guardiola, Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Roberto Mancini—Italy’s last coach to win a major trophy, guiding the Azzurri to victory at Euro 2020 (held in 2021)—and Andrea Pirlo are among the candidates for the role. However, the FIGC president was keen to emphasize that the list of candidates does not end there. "There could be an unexpected name," he hinted, without elaborating further. Malagò, who took office just a month ago amid internal turmoil following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, stressed the importance of exploring all avenues: "It was important and correct to open a dialogue and keep it alive, but this should not be interpreted as a lack of consideration for the other candidates." Over the weekend, FIGC sporting director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo held talks with Guardiola to assess the possibility of him taking charge of the *Squadra Azzurra*. According to local media, the discussions are expected to be complex. Pep Guardiola, currently at Manchester City, may prioritize other projects, including potential interest from the English Football Association in his services. Aware of the challenges ahead, the FIGC is adopting a flexible approach to attract the Catalan coach. "Exceptions have been made, such as for the name that has been making headlines these days: Pep Guardiola," Malagò reiterated, without specifying the extent of the financial concessions being considered. One thing is certain: Italy is not about to give up in its search for a new national team manager.