The president of Italy’s football federation has confirmed that he held talks with Pep Guardiola about the opening in charge of the Italian national team, while insisting he is not confident the deal will materialise.
Federation chief confirms Guardiola contact
Giovanni Malago said the discussions took place and were outlined in an interview that appeared on the website Cronache di Spogliatoio (Dressing Room Chronicles).
When asked whether the federation could raise the budget to cover a potential salary for Guardiola, Malago replied: “Yes, and that is the exception for obvious reasons”.
He added that he would not provide further specifics, stressing that the outcome remains uncertain.
“Not sure” about appointment, but dialogue was worthwhile
Malago said: “I won’t go into detail here but it’s not sure that this will come about.”
Despite that uncertainty, he maintained that initiating contact was the correct approach, adding: “However, I still believe it was the right thing to do. It was important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.”
Guardiola’s Italy links and wider coaching picture
Guardiola, 55, has direct experience of Italian football through his playing career, having appeared for Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003.
He left Manchester City at the conclusion of last season after a highly decorated decade at the Etihad Stadium, finishing a spell that delivered six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Italian football has been under heavy pressure, with the sport already struggling before a further blow in March: the men’s national team failed for a third straight time to earn qualification for the World Cup.
Italian media have also pointed to other candidates, naming former Italy internationals Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini. Mancini, in particular, led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title, and both are reported to be in the running for the national team role.
Next international test in Nations League
Italy’s immediate focus is on its Nations League schedule, with a match against Belgium set for September 25.
