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Football Italia

·23 July 2026

Football Italia

·23 July 2026

Paolo Maldini has denied claims that Pep Guardiola asked for a €20m salary to become Italy coach. ‘The economic aspect is in no way relevant for Pep.’

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

New technical director Maldini, special advisor Leonardo, and FIGC President Giovanni Malagò held a press conference today after their meeting with the Lega Serie A, the group of 20 top-flight clubs.

The room was small and had no air conditioning, so they kept speaking to the media after leaving the event area.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor on April 22, 2026 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Reports emerged today that Guardiola had asked for a €20m salary to take charge of the Nazionale, but Maldini dismissed that suggestion completely.

“The economic aspect is in no way relevant for Pep.”

After spending a decade in charge of Manchester City, Guardiola was looking forward to taking some time away with his family to relax and switch off.

The prospect of taking over the Nazionale after missing three straight World Cup editions is an interesting one, and he is taking his time before giving a final answer.

Sky Sport Italia also reported today that the financial terms of the contract are not what is delaying the talks, but that the Spaniard wants to be fully certain before accepting such a major project.

Víkingur Reykjavík