Giovanni Malago confirms talks with Pep Guardiola regarding Italy head coach role

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago has officially confirmed that talks have taken place with Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant head coach position for the Italy national team.

Pep Guardiola departed Manchester City this summer following a decade-long tenure that included multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. The Italian national team has been without a manager since the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in April, which followed the nation's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Speaking to the Italian sports platform Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago stated that the federation might consider financial "exceptions" to secure a high-profile manager. "Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said. He cautioned, however, that a deal is by no means certain.

The federation is also considering other candidates, including former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Malago clarified that while these names fit the desired profile for the team, the search is not limited strictly to them.

Although Pep Guardiola has never managed in Italy, he is fluent in the language and spent two seasons in Serie A as a player with Brescia and Roma. His potential appointment would mark a swift return to football after he cited fatigue as a primary reason for stepping away from the game following his exit from the Etihad Stadium.