Guardiola as a Potential Coach

Giovanni Malago, the head of Italy’s football federation, revealed in an interview with the website Cronache di Spogliatoio that discussions took place with legendary coach Pep Guardiola regarding the vacancy at the Italian national side.

Malago stated that financial ‘exceptions’ would be made for the former Manchester City boss if he were to be hired. When asked whether the budget for the coach’s salary could be increased in the case of Guardiola, Malago confirmed, ‘Yes, and that is the exception for obvious reasons.’

Uncertain Outcome of Discussions

Malago added that it is not certain the appointment will come to fruition, saying, ‘I won’t go into detail here, but it’s not sure that this [appointment] will come about. However, I still believe it was the right thing to do — it was important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.’

Guardiola has prior experience in Italian football, having played for Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003, but this background could make him a fitting candidate for the national team.

Context of the Appointment

Italian football has been in a difficult period, with the men’s national team failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time in March. Despite this, Italy has a storied history, having won four World Cups.

Guardiola, who is 55 years old, stepped down as the manager of Manchester City at the end of the last season; During his tenure, he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League, showcasing a decade of success at the Etihad Stadium.

Italian media reports indicate that former Italy internationals Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini are also being considered as candidates for the national team coaching role, while Mancini led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title, and Pirlo is another potential option given his background in the national team.

Italy’s national team is set to face Belgium on September 25 in the Nations League; the appointment of a new coach could play a significant role in the team’s performance moving forward.