Italy Confirms Talks With Guardiola Over National Team Job

Rabat – Italian football officials have confirmed they are in discussions with Pep Guardiola over the possibility of taking charge of the country’s national team, as the four-time World Cup winners continue their search for a new head coach. 

Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago acknowledged the negotiations, revealing that the federation had made special financial exceptions in an attempt to persuade the former Manchester City manager to consider the role. 

“There are financial aspects that make this very complicated,” Malagò said during an appearance on the Vivavoce program.

“Some exceptions have been made, particularly because of the name currently at the center of these discussions, Pep Guardiola. But there are no guarantees the operation will succeed, even though we felt it was important to open dialogue and continue those conversations.”

His comments come days after Italian media reported that Guardiola met with Italian Football Federation technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo in Barcelona as part of ongoing efforts to convince the Spanish coach to lead the Azzurri. 

Despite the focus on Guardiola, Malagò stressed that the federation is continuing to evaluate other candidates.

Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo remain under consideration, alongside other managers who fit the federation’s long-term vision for the national team. 

Italy has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The setback extended one of the darkest periods in Italian football history, with the four-time world champions missing three consecutive World Cups in 2018, 2022, and 2026.

Securing a new head coach has since become one of the federation’s top priorities as Italy attempts to restore its place among international football’s elite.

Guardiola’s appointment remains uncertain, but Malagò’s remarks mark the first official confirmation that the federation has opened discussions with one of the most successful managers of the modern era.