Italy football federation in talks with Pep Guardiola over national team coach
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò confirmed that the federation has opened a dialogue with Pep Guardiola regarding the vacant Italy men’s national team coach position left by Gennaro Gattuso. Malagò said that the FIGC is prepared to make a “budget exception” to meet Guardiola’s salary expectations.
Technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona and met Guardiola to present a long‑term project for the Azzurri. The talks are still ongoing and a final decision is not guaranteed. Malagò emphasized that “it is not certain this will happen” and that the dialogue is being kept alive.
Other names being discussed for the role include former national coach Roberto Mancini and former midfielder‑coach Andrea Pirlo. The federation hopes to appoint a new coach soon as Italy attempts to reverse three consecutive World Cup qualification failures and rebuild its international standing.