Maldini and Leonardo ‘to offer’ Guardiola sweeping influence in Italy talks | OneFootball

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò has acknowledged talks with Guardiola over the Italy job, but warned it will be difficult. Italy have missed three successive World Cups and the post has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso quit over three months ago.

Paolo Maldini, the federation’s technical director, and adviser Leonardo met Guardiola in Barcelona last weekend.

The FIGC are ready to stretch financially, though nothing is assured. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports he was offered a trusted network of staff and scouts, plus influence across the set up, including a say on the under-21 coach.

Guardiola has signalled he wants a break. Since starting with Barcelona’s B team in 2007 he has had only one year off, then Bayern from 2013 to 2016 and a decade at Manchester City. He recently said he does not feel the need to return and prefers to enjoy life, though coaching a national team one day appeals.

The offer could appeal given Barcelona’s proximity, the chance to lift a struggling Italy and his affinity for the country after spells in Brescia and Rome. Obstacles persist, from a thin talent pool to intense pressure and a year remaining with the Manchester City group, which would not be an impediment. The Nations League starts in September, squeezing the timeline.

Malagò aims to confirm a successor on Thursday at the Lega Serie A assembly in Milan. Alternatives include Roberto Mancini, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo