Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now looks unlikely to take the Italy national team job, with the two parties reportedly apart on salary demands. Guardiola has been in talks with the FIGC about the role following Italy's failure to qualify for this summer's World Cup finals.
Guardiola's demands and Italy's offer
Guardiola has been out of work since ending his 10-year trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium back in May. The 55-year-old is now back in Barcelona with his family and has been replaced at City by former assistant manager Enzo Maresca.
He was a key target for Italy, but Gazzetta dello Sport reports that a difference in Guardiola's €20 million (£17m) a-year salary demands and the €10 million (£8.5m) that Italy are willing to offer, makes the move 'difficult'. It could therefore open the door for him to take another job, with him expressing a desire to work as a national team manager.
The former City and Barcelona manager is also reportedly apprehensive about the commitment demanded by the role, having pledged to his family he would dedicate more time to them. Guardiola is known for giving full commitment to a job when he is involved.
Current role and England interest
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.
Speaking earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago alluded to a financial gap in negotiations with Guardiola. "There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it's an understatement to say we'd have to grit our teeth for this," he said in an interview with the Italian media. "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."
The English FA could be monitoring developments closely, given their long-standing interest in appointing Guardiola as England manager. Thomas Tuchel is currently occupying the role, and despite mounting pressure for his removal following the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, the FA is anticipated to maintain their backing of the German. There are, however, suggestions that a thorough review of the squad's World Cup campaign, in which they ultimately claimed third place, will be carried out once the dust has settled.
England's focus on Euro 2028
England's focus now shifts to Euro 2028, which they are jointly hosting alongside Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. The Three Lions have reached the final in each of the last two European Championships, but will be determined to go one better on home soil this time round.
It has previously been reported that Guardiola had reached a verbal agreement to take charge of England following Gareth Southgate's departure. However, the Catalan tactician had a dramatic change of mind and opted to remain at City for a further two years.
