The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that the organisation has held talks with Pep Guardiola over becoming Italy's new manager, even though his wages would require financial exceptions.
Guardiola, 55, is currently out of work for the first time in 10 years after stepping down as Manchester City boss in May. Despite never having worked in international management, the Catalan has often spoken about his desire to coach at a World Cup, European Championship or Copa America.
FIGC president confirms dialogue
After Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup this summer, the FIGC is searching for a new manager. Guardiola is among their top targets, with reports over the weekend that new Italy technical director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor, Leonardo, flew to Barcelona for talks with the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss.
FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed this in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport: "There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it's an understatement to say we'd have to grit our teeth for this. Some exceptions have been made, for example exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola."
Wage disparity
Guardiola reportedly earned £20 million per year at City. That is a far cry from the £680,000 salary which Gennaro Gattuso signed up to before his departure in May following Italy's World Cup play-off failure.
Malago added: "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. I think it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive."
Other candidates
Malago was also quizzed on ex-Azzurri boss Antonio Conte, who recently said he had not been contacted regarding the vacancy. The chief replied: "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."
When asked if Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and another former Italy manager in Roberto Mancini were the remaining candidates, Malago said: "Absolutely not. We are thinking about a certain profile, and these names are definitely within that category."
