ROME / MILAN — The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed it is prepared to make unprecedented financial "exceptions" outside its standard budgetary framework to convince former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to become the new head coach of the Italian national team.

The announcement was made by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, who publicly acknowledged that high-level talks have taken place with the 55-year-old Spaniard following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April. The managerial vacancy comes as Italian football seeks to rebuild after failing to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Maldini’s Mission in Barcelona

In an ambitious effort to restore the four-time world champions to global prominence, newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo reportedly spent three days in Barcelona presenting a sweeping structural project to Guardiola.

The proposal extends beyond managing the senior squad, offering Guardiola overarching authority to establish a unified tactical identity across all tiers of Italy’s national youth and senior teams leading up to the 2030 World Cup.

  • Special Financial Offer: Addressing the substantial salary gap between international management and top European clubs, FIGC chief Giovanni Malagò confirmed the federation would break traditional salary caps for a candidate of Guardiola's stature.

  • Tactical & Cultural Fit: Beyond his managerial record of 38 major trophies across Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Guardiola speaks fluent Italian, having played in Serie A for Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003.

  • Alternative Candidates: Should negotiations falter, former Euro 2020-winning coach Roberto Mancini and former Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo remain on the FIGC’s shortlist.

"It was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive. Financial exceptions have been made—exceptions that concern a dominant name like Pep Guardiola—for obvious reasons, though it is not guaranteed that this will go through."

— Giovanni Malagò, FIGC President

Sabbatical Plans Pose Primary Hurdle

Despite the federation's willingness to make financial sacrifices, Guardiola's initial intention to take an extended break from management remains the primary obstacle. Having departed Manchester City at the conclusion of last season after a trophy-laden decade, the Spaniard previously cited mental fatigue and a desire to spend time with his family as his main reasons for stepping back.

However, the FIGC hopes that the lighter operational schedule of international football—compared to the relentless grind of club management—alongside complete structural authority over the Azzurri rebuild, may persuade Guardiola to shorten his hiatus.