Italy have held discussions with Pep Guardiola over the possibility of becoming their new national team manager, the president of the FIGC has confirmed. Giovanni Malaga has revealed that Italy's governing body may be required to make an exception for the former Manchester City boss' salary, however.
Guardiola's Departure from Manchester City
Guardiola brought his tenure at the Etihad Stadium to an end, having achieved unprecedented success during his 10-year stay. The Catalan coach currently remains part of City Football Group in an advisory role for the likes of Palermo, Lommel and Troyes.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the job prevents him from taking another coaching position, though it is believed City's owners would be unlikely to stand in his way. That stance appears set to be tested.
Italy's Search for a New Coach
After failing to qualify for a third World Cup in succession, Italy parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso in April, and amid an overhaul, new Italy technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo are seeking a new head coach. Guardiola, who has previously been linked with England, is among a list of candidates that is also said to include Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini.
Financial Considerations
FIGC president Malago has acknowledged that Guardiola would be an 'exception' to the usual financial constraints. In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport, he stressed it was important to keep dialogue alive.
"There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it's an understatement to say we'd have to grit our teeth for this," Malago stated. "Some exceptions have been made, for example, exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola. I don't need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he'd be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through."
Malago added: "I think it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive."
Guardiola reportedly commanded a staggering £20million per year at City — a world away from the modest £680,000 salary that Gennaro Gattuso agreed to before his departure in May following Italy's World Cup play-off elimination.
Other Candidates
Malago was also pressed on former Azzurri boss Antonio Conte, who recently stated he had not been approached regarding the vacancy. The chief responded: "It is certainly not a lack of respect towards other people, because there has already been a discussion with others, and one can opt for someone who is perhaps of a more recent school of thought, so it's a very subjective matter."
Malago was subsequently asked whether Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and former Italy manager Roberto Mancini were the only remaining contenders. "Absolutely not," he affirmed. "We are thinking about a certain profile, and these names are definitely within that category."
