Pep Guardiola has held discussions regarding the vacant head coach position for the Italian national football team, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago confirmed. Guardiola concluded his ten-year tenure with Manchester City this summer, during which he secured six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League trophy.
Italy has been without a permanent head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, following the team's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. Sky Italia initially reported contact between the FIGC and the 55-year-old Spaniard on Monday.
Malago stated that "exceptions" could be made for Guardiola's salary, acknowledging the significance of his name. "Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio. He cautioned, however, that "it is not certain that this thing will go through."
Other candidates being considered for the role include former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 success, and Andrea Pirlo, currently managing in Dubai. Malago indicated that Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo are not the only individuals being considered, stating that the federation is looking for a "certain profile" and that these names fit that description.
Historically, Italy's men's national team has been managed by Italian coaches, with only two exceptions: Hungarian Lajos Czeizler in the 1950s and Argentine Helenio Herrera in the following decade, who jointly managed the team. Guardiola previously played in Serie A for two seasons between 2001 and 2003, with spells at Brescia and Roma, and speaks fluent Italian.
Should he accept the position, it would represent a swift return to football management after Guardiola expressed feeling "so tired" upon departing Manchester City in May, citing the extensive memories accumulated over his decade with the club.