The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago, has confirmed that financial exceptions are in place to allow Pep Guardiola to become Italy's next head coach. Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a highly successful 10-year tenure, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League. He has also previously coached Barcelona and Bayern Munich and is currently free to take up another job.
FIGC Confirms Interest in Guardiola
Malago told Gazzetta dello Sport: "[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola. Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through." The Spaniard has been linked with the Italy vacancy for some time, with reports earlier this week suggesting he has held talks with the FIGC.
Other Candidates for the Vacancy
Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo are also reported candidates. When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malago added: "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category." Gennaro Gattuso resigned from the post in April after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament.
Italy's Football Crisis
Italian football has hit its lowest point in nearly 40 years, following an early wholesale exit from European club competitions last season and the failure to reach the World Cup. The appointment of a new national coach is viewed as the first step in overhauling a youth and talent infrastructure that has largely collapsed. Italy's next fixture is the Nations League Group A match against Belgium on 25 September.
