Italy considers financial exceptions for Pep Guardiola as next head coach
The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malagò, has indicated that financial “exceptions” are in place to potentially allow Pep Guardiola to become Italy’s next head coach. This comes after Guardiola departed Manchester City at the conclusion of last season, ending a 10-year tenure where he secured six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.
Guardiola, who has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is currently unattached and has been linked with the Italy vacancy for some time. Reports earlier this week suggested that he has engaged in discussions with the FIGC. The position became vacant in April following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after the four-time World Cup champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament.
Malagò was quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport stating, “Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.” He added that these exceptions are for “obvious reasons” but noted that the appointment is not yet certain.
FIGC’s pursuit of Guardiola
The FIGC has held talks with Guardiola in an effort to persuade him to take on the role of national team head coach. Officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over a three-day period in Barcelona, where they outlined their vision for the national team’s future. The FIGC is prepared to make “exceptional” adjustments to its budget to secure his appointment.
The proposal presented to Guardiola extends beyond a simple coaching role. The FIGC envisions him as a central figure in an ‘Azzurro project’ aimed at rebuilding Italian football from its foundations. This comprehensive overhaul would encompass not only the senior national team but also other national teams. Guardiola has reportedly listened to the offer and is now considering his response.
The appointment of a new national coach is seen as a crucial initial step in reforming Italy’s youth and talent infrastructure, which has faced significant challenges. Italian football has experienced a period of difficulty, marked by an early exit from European club competitions last season and the failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Other candidates and Guardiola’s past comments
Alongside Guardiola, other reported candidates for the head coach position include Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 success, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo. When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malagò clarified that this was not the case, but confirmed these names fit the desired profile.
Guardiola is a free agent for the first time in a decade after concluding his association with Manchester City, where he won 20 trophies and achieved a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. Prior to his departure from City, Guardiola had expressed an intention to take a break from football to spend more time with his family, reiterating this sentiment in his final press conference.
He previously stated in an interview that he would be interested in the challenge of international management, noting, “What I’m not going to do is leave Manchester City and go to another country to do the same thing as I am now.” He added, “Maybe a national team, but that’s different.” Italy’s next scheduled fixture is a Nations League Group A match against Belgium on 25 September.
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Source: theguardian.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
