Italy’s football federation has held discussions with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over the vacant national team coaching job.
Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malago confirmed that contacts had been made with Guardiola as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) continues its search for a new manager.
Malago added that the federation could make financial concessions to secure a coach of Guardiola’s calibre.
He said: “Exceptions have been made, exceptions that may concern the name dominating discussions at the moment: Pep Guardiola.
“For obvious reasons, I won’t explain further, but it is not certain that this will happen.”
His remarks mark the first public confirmation that the 55-year-old has been approached for the role.
Spain risks 30% tax on World Cup prize
The Italy job became vacant after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a successful 10-year spell in England, where he guided the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
Before joining City in 2016, he enjoyed trophy-laden spells at Barcelona, winning three LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns, and Bayern Munich, where he secured three Bundesliga titles.
- 168 bag first class as UNN graduates 12,895 students - July 22, 2026
- Italy hold talks with Guardiola over coach role - July 22, 2026
- Otedola raises First HoldCo stake to 21.96% with N77.6bn share purchase - July 22, 2026
