Italy's football governing body is in early-stage discussions with Pep Guardiola about the possibility of him taking over as national team manager, FIGC president Giovanni Malago has confirmed. The prospect of hiring the legendary coach presents a unique challenge, particularly in terms of budget constraints. The 53-year-old Spanish manager, best known for his 10-year tenure at Manchester City, now serves in an advisory role with the City Football Group, overseeing clubs like Palermo, Lommel, and Troyes. However, this existing position complicates his ability to pursue a new managerial job. That said, there are indications that City's ownership might not stand in his way, should the opportunity arise and align with business interests.
Guardiola's time at Manchester City was marked by extraordinary success, including multiple domestic and European trophies. His contract there reportedly paid him a staggering £20 million annually, a sum vastly beyond the £680,000 Gennaro Gattuso accepted as Italy's national team manager before his recent departure. Malago has acknowledged that securing Guardiola would be a financial challenge for the FIGC, describing it as something the federation would need to “grit their teeth” for. While he refrained from elaborating on exact numbers, he made it clear that the potential appointment would represent a significant deviation from standard spending policies. “Pep is an exception due to the impact he has had and the waves he continues to make in football,” Malago told both Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport. Still, the president stopped short of guaranteeing that these talks would lead to a final agreement.
Malago stressed that maintaining an open and ongoing dialogue with Guardiola is crucial, regardless of where the discussions ultimately lead. He also expanded on the pool of candidates under consideration, noting that while Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo, and Roberto Mancini are frequently mentioned, the list is far broader. The president did not name additional names but highlighted that the FIGC is targeting a particular type of coach—a “certain profile” that aligns with its long-term vision. When asked whether former Azzurri manager Antonio Conte was being considered, Malago said there had been no contact with the Italian tactician. He defended the decision, noting that hiring choices are subjective and that the federation is looking for a contemporary mindset, rather than relying on well-known past figures. Italy's new technical director, Paolo Maldini, is leading the search for the next coach, supported by his close adviser Leonardo. Malago confirmed that the dialogue with Guardiola remains active, but he cautioned that a deal is far from certain.
The main hurdles to a potential Guardiola appointment are twofold. First, he would need approval from Manchester City to step down from his advisory role. Second, the Italian federation would have to significantly adjust its financial planning to meet his expected salary. Both factors make the outcome uncertain. Malago admitted there are no easy solutions, but he reiterated the importance of continuing to explore the best possible options for the national team, even if the path is challenging and unconventional.
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