Italy Ready To Break Bank To Appoint Guardiola As National Team Coach
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is prepared to make an exceptional financial commitment in its bid to appoint Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the Italian national team, according to federation president Giovanni Malagò.
Malagò revealed that discussions have already taken place with Guardiola, who is among the leading candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso following his departure in April after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Manchester City manager left the Premier League club this summer after a glittering spell that yielded 18 major trophies, including six league titles and a UEFA Champions League crown.
Although Guardiola has never coached a national team, his previous experience playing in Serie A and his fluency in Italian have strengthened speculation over a possible move to the Azzurri.
Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malagò acknowledged that hiring Guardiola would require significant financial investment.
"We've spoken with Guardiola. If there's a need to make an exception financially for the right coach, we'll evaluate it," he said.
Malagò also confirmed that former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo remain under consideration, alongside other candidates yet to be publicly identified.
The FIGC has not announced when it expects to appoint a new coach, but Guardiola's candidacy has generated excitement among supporters as Italy aims to rebuild after another disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
Malagò revealed that discussions have already taken place with Guardiola, who is among the leading candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso following his departure in April after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Manchester City manager left the Premier League club this summer after a glittering spell that yielded 18 major trophies, including six league titles and a UEFA Champions League crown.
Although Guardiola has never coached a national team, his previous experience playing in Serie A and his fluency in Italian have strengthened speculation over a possible move to the Azzurri.
Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malagò acknowledged that hiring Guardiola would require significant financial investment.
"We've spoken with Guardiola. If there's a need to make an exception financially for the right coach, we'll evaluate it," he said.
Malagò also confirmed that former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo remain under consideration, alongside other candidates yet to be publicly identified.
The FIGC has not announced when it expects to appoint a new coach, but Guardiola's candidacy has generated excitement among supporters as Italy aims to rebuild after another disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
