FIGC confirms talks with Pep Guardiola over Italy post | OneFootball

Italy have held talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming national team head coach, the FIGC president has confirmed while stressing the deal is far from certain.

According to L'Équipe, Giovanni Malago said on Tuesday evening on the Vivavoce programme that discussions are under way with the 55-year-old Spaniard to take charge of Italy, a role vacant since Gennaro Gattuso left in April after failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Newly elected, Malago has made the appointment a priority as Italy chase stability and results. He indicated financial exceptions have been made to ease a possible agreement with the former Manchester City manager.

Malago cautioned that the move might not happen, though he suggested there could still be a surprise. Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also under consideration, alongside other names.

Paolo Maldini, recently named FIGC technical director, and special adviser Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to meet Guardiola in an effort to persuade him. If appointed, he would be set for a four-year term with the 2030 World Cup as the focal point, aligning with recent high-profile national team hires.

Source: L'Équipe