FIGC president Giovanni Malago has publicly acknowledged that the potential appointment of Pep Guardiola as Italy’s new head coach would represent an extraordinary financial exception for the federation, but warned that there is no guarantee that the high-profile move will materialize.
After a whirlwind 48 hours of speculation, it has been revealed that Italy technical director Paolo Maldini and his special adviser Leonardo have traveled to Barcelona for direct talks with the Manchester City manager. His mission: to persuade Guardiola to lead the Azzurri into a bold new era, despite formidable wage demands previously considered prohibitive.
Malago addressed the growing reports by acknowledging the magnitude of the financial challenge. “There are some financial aspects to be considered, and it would be an exaggeration to say that we have to gnash our teeth about it,” the FIGC president told Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport. He added, “Some exceptions have been made, for example exceptions that take into account the name that is making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola. I don’t need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he would be an exception, but there is also no guarantee that that would be the case.”
Maldini and Leonardo’s personal visit to Guardiola’s base in Barcelona indicates how serious the Italian federation is about an overhaul. “I think it was right and important to start the conversation and keep it alive,” Málago said, underscoring the importance of face-to-face conversations in the search for one of world football’s most prestigious coaches.
Amid growing curiosity regarding other candidates, Malago clarified the current selection process. When asked about Antonio Conte’s claim that he had not been approached for the Italy job, Malago said, “It’s certainly not a lack of respect for other people, because there have already been discussions with others, and one could choose someone who perhaps has a more recent ideology, so it’s a very subjective matter.”
Speculation is swirling whether the shortlist has been narrowed down to Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini. Malago was clear: “Not at all, we are thinking about a certain profile, and these names are definitely in that category.”
As the search intensifies, Malago’s statements confirm that Guardiola is a key target, but the Italian federation is open to a variety of profiles – each representing a potential new chapter for the national team. Talks have reached unprecedented levels, but as Malago made clear, the path to securing Guardiola’s signature is not guaranteed.
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