Top News

Pep Guardiola has entered into discussions regarding the possibility of becoming Italy’s next head coach, according to Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago.

Malago further revealed that special “exceptions” could be considered concerning the salary package for the 55-year-old former Manchester City manager.

Guardiola, who previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, stepped down from Manchester City at the end of last season. During his decade-long tenure, he guided the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and one Champions League trophy.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy’s head coach in April after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago commented: “(Financial) exceptions have been made, exceptions that, for example, may concern the name currently being discussed so prominently: Pep Guardiola.

“These exceptions exist for obvious reasons that I prefer not to elaborate on, but it’s not guaranteed that this matter will be finalised.”

Other candidates being considered for the position include Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

When asked whether Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only names under consideration, Malago responded: “Absolutely not. We are focusing on a certain profile, and these names certainly fit within that category.”

Italy has had only one foreign manager in its history — Argentine coach Helenio Herrera — who co-managed the team with Italian Ferruccio Valcareggi between 1966 and 1967.

Before leaving Manchester City, Guardiola had indicated that he did not plan to take up a new managerial position “for a while,” citing a lack of “energy” — a sentiment similar to that expressed by his long-time rival Jurgen Klopp upon his departure from Liverpool.

“No plans for [coaching] for a while,” Guardiola said during his final press conference with Manchester City. “Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while.

“I feel I will not have the energy every day, with the expectations to fight for the title. I know myself — I have that energy — but I feel like I will not have it [in the future].”