Italy considers budget exception in pursuit of Guardiola
Giovanni Malago said talks with Pep Guardiola have taken place as Italy weighs a high-profile appointment after another World Cup failure.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Italy has opened talks with Pep Guardiola about taking charge of the men’s national team, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The approach matters because Italian football is looking for a reset after the national side missed the World Cup for a third straight time.
Giovanni Malago, identified by Al Jazeera and AFP as the head of Italy’s football federation, said in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio that discussions with Guardiola had taken place. Malago said Italy would be prepared to make a financial exception for the former Manchester City manager if the appointment became possible.
Asked whether the salary budget could be raised for Guardiola, Malago said the answer was yes, calling it an exception for clear reasons. He also cautioned that no deal was assured, while saying he believed it was right to start and maintain contact.
A difficult moment for Italy
Italy’s men’s team failed in March to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The run has deepened concern around a national side that has won the World Cup four times.
The team’s next listed fixture is against Belgium on September 25 in the Nations League, according to the same report. The coaching search comes with Italy trying to rebuild confidence before another competitive cycle.
Guardiola’s Italian links
Guardiola, 55, left Manchester City at the end of last season after a decade at the English club, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. During his time at City, he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He also has direct experience of Italian football as a player. Guardiola played for Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
That background would give him some familiarity with the country’s football culture, though Malago did not present the talks as close to completion. His comments instead pointed to an effort to keep Guardiola in the frame while Italy assesses its options.
Other names under consideration
Italian media reports have also linked Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini with the national team job, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Both are former Italy internationals.
Mancini previously led Italy to the Euro 2020 title. Pirlo, another prominent former midfielder, is also being discussed as a possible candidate in the Italian press, according to the report.
For now, Guardiola remains the standout name in the search because of his record at club level and the financial flexibility Italy appears willing to consider. Malago’s comments made clear, however, that the talks have not yet produced an appointment.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.