Italy Federation Confirms Talks with Pep Guardiola as Coaching Vacancy Remains Unsettled
FIGC confirms talks with Pep Guardiola for Italy national team job; Giovanni Malagò says salary ‘exceptions’ could be considered, but appointment not yet final.
Italy’s football federation chief has confirmed he held discussions with Pep Guardiola about the vacant Italy national team post, saying financial “exceptions” would be possible while stressing no appointment has been finalised. The head described the meetings as an important opening of dialogue rather than the close of negotiations. Guardiola’s name now tops a short-list as the federation considers how to rebuild after recent setbacks.
FIGC President Confirms Talks with Guardiola
Giovanni Malagò told the Italian website Cronache di Spogliatoio that conversations with Guardiola took place and that maintaining the dialogue was a deliberate choice. He framed the contact as exploratory and useful for keeping options open rather than signalling an imminent hire.
Malagò emphasised that he did not want to go into contractual specifics, and he cautioned that the transfer from discussion to appointment was not guaranteed. The federation’s public account therefore remains cautious and non-committal as internal deliberations continue.
Salary Exception and Budget Considerations
Asked whether the FIGC budget could be increased to meet Guardiola’s expected demands, Malagò said there would be an exception “for obvious reasons.” That phrasing suggested the federation is prepared to consider above-normal terms for a high-profile candidate.
Any such financial accommodation would require sign-off within FIGC governance structures and would likely spark debate among stakeholders. The federation must balance a potential one-off investment in coaching against longer-term financial stability and the need for a coherent technical plan.
Guardiola’s Italian Connections and Coaching Record
Pep Guardiola, 55, brings both managerial acclaim and personal ties to Italian football, having ended his playing career with spells at Brescia and AS Roma in the early 2000s. He stepped down as Manchester City manager at the end of last season after a decade that included six Premier League titles and a Champions League win.
Those credentials shape why Guardiola is being viewed as a transformational option capable of changing the national team’s trajectory. His familiarity with Italy as a former player could also ease adaptation to Serie A-style players and the national setup.
Pressure on FIGC After World Cup Qualification Failures
The approach to Guardiola comes amid heightened scrutiny of Italian football after the men’s national team again failed to qualify for the World Cup earlier this year. That string of qualification failures has increased pressure on the federation to find a leader who can restore credibility and results.
Historically a four-time World Cup winner, Italy now faces the task of re-establishing a competitive identity at senior level. The federation’s choices over the coming weeks will be evaluated against the twin aims of short-term performance and longer-term development.
Other Candidates Under Consideration
Italian media reports name former internationals Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini among those also being considered for the role, providing a mix of domestic and internationally experienced options. Mancini, who led Italy to the Euro 2020 title, remains a prominent figure in discussions because of his previous success with the Azzurri.
The presence of several high-profile candidates suggests the FIGC is weighing different profiles — from proven national-team operators to managers with elite club records. Any final decision will reflect the federation’s chosen balance between tactical philosophy, squad renewal and public expectations.
Timing and Competitive Calendar Ahead
The federation faces a practical timeline: Italy is scheduled to meet Belgium in the Nations League on September 25, 2026, and will need a clearly defined plan well before that fixture. That match has therefore emerged as an early benchmark for whoever takes charge, both in terms of selection and playing style.
Officials will need to resolve contractual terms quickly if they intend the new coach to prepare the squad and implement fresh ideas before competitive matches resume. A delayed appointment would compress preparation time and place added pressure on interim arrangements.
Stakeholder Reaction and Next Steps
Reaction from supporters and commentators has been mixed, with some welcoming the prospect of a marquee appointment and others warning against short-term fixes. The federation will likely engage further with clubs, player representatives and technical staff as it narrows choices.
For now, the FIGC maintains that discussions are ongoing and that any final decision will be announced only after a full evaluation of sporting, financial and logistical implications. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether talks with Guardiola or other candidates lead to a formal contract.
Italy’s search for a new coach therefore remains active and high-profile, with Pep Guardiola’s name prominent but no final confirmation yet. The federation has opened a significant dialogue; whether it culminates in a major appointment will be revealed in the weeks ahead.