Guardiola in Talks for Italy National Team Job

Pep Guardiola has spoken with the Italian Football Federation about becoming the next head coach for the Italy national team. Giovanni Malago, the federation president, confirmed this news.

Guardiola is being considered after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. Gennaro Gattuso left the coaching job in April, creating the need for a new coach.

Guardiola stepped down from Manchester City this summer. He had a great 10 years there, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

Reports from Sky Italia noted earlier that there had been talks between the FIGC and Guardiola. Malago confirmed those discussions took place.

In an interview with Italian sports site Cronache di Spogliatoio on Wednesday, Malago mentioned the federation might make financial exceptions to get a coach like Guardiola.

"Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said.

He also pointed out that while they are considering these exceptions, there is no guarantee that a deal will happen.

"Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through," he said.

Guardiola is not the only name in the mix. Former Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo are also being looked at for the role.

Mancini led Italy to victory at Euro 2020. Pirlo is currently managing Dubai United.

When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only candidates, Malago said they were looking at others who fit a specific profile.

Guardiola has never coached in Italy but has strong connections to the country. He speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A from 2001 to 2003, for Brescia and Roma.

If he takes the job, it would be a quick return to management after leaving Manchester City. He admitted he felt both physically and mentally tired after ten years there.

Before Manchester City, Guardiola had successful coaching stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning many domestic and European titles.