Pep Guardiola has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Italy national team after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed its interest in appointing the former Manchester City manager.
The four-time World Cup winners are searching for a new coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò admitted the federation is prepared to make financial concessions in an attempt to persuade Guardiola to take charge of the Azzurri.
“[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola,” Malagò told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
According to reports, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo travelled to Barcelona, where they held three days of face-to-face talks with Guardiola to present a four-year project aimed at rebuilding the national team.
The federation is also reportedly prepared to grant the 55-year-old significant flexibility, including allowing him to live outside Italy while managing the national side.
Guardiola became available after ending his trophy-laden spell at Manchester City at the conclusion of last season.
During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the UEFA Champions League, adding to his previous successes with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Despite Italy’s determination to secure his services, reports indicate Guardiola remains committed to taking an extended break from coaching after stepping down from City, citing mental exhaustion.
There are also questions over whether his possession-based tactical philosophy can be effectively implemented in international football, where managers have limited time to work with players between international windows.
Italy are nevertheless pressing ahead with their pursuit, although the federation has identified alternative candidates should negotiations fail.
Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who guided the Azzurri to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo remain among the names being considered.
