Pep Guardiola ‘to become’ Italy coach move in doubt over family and pay | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola is the frontrunner to lead Italy, but the move now appears uncertain. Gazzetta suggests a promised family break and pay demands beyond the federation’s means are complicating matters.

The Italian federation has opened talks to appoint the former Manchester City manager as Gennaro Gattuso’s successor.

Technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo travelled to Spain for discussions and reportedly returned with limited confidence after meeting Guardiola.

He was set to be placed at the heart of a sweeping project to refresh Italy’s playing philosophy, yet the commitment is sizeable for a coach who has promised his family time out and has not taken a break since the second half of 2012.

Salary is another sticking point, with Guardiola reportedly seeking close to 20 million euros a year. The FIGC are willing to make economic exceptions, but their offer stands at about 10 million annually.

If the Catalan pursuit is abandoned, the race would be reshaped among the other candidates, Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.

Source: L'Équipe