ITALIAN FEDERATION IN TALKS WITH PEP GUARDIOLA OVER MANAGERIAL ROLE

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed that it has held talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming manager of the Italian national team. Giovanni Malago, FIGC president, stated in interviews that the federation would need to make "exceptions" regarding Guardiola's salary to bring him to the role. Paolo Maldini, Italy's technical director, and Leonardo, a special advisor, travelled to Barcelona for discussions with Guardiola. Malago emphasised that opening dialogue with Guardiola was "right and important", whilst cautioning that "this is also no guarantee that this will go through".

Guardiola, 55, left his position as Manchester City manager in May and has been out of work for the first time in a decade. The FIGC began its search for a new national team manager after Italy failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup. Guardiola has previously expressed a desire to manage at international tournaments including a World Cup or European Championship, despite having no prior experience in international football management. According to reports, Guardiola earned £20 million annually whilst at Manchester City.

The federation faces a significant financial hurdle in any potential appointment, as Guardiola's wage demands exceed the FIGC's standard budget allocations. Malago acknowledged the scale of the financial commitment required. No timeline for a decision has been announced. The FIGC has not named other candidates being considered for the position.