Pep Guardiola approached over Italy job as federation ready to break pay rules

Pep Guardiola has been sounded out about becoming Italy’s next head coach, with the country’s football federation prepared to rip up its usual salary structure in a bid to lure the former Manchester City manager.

Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee and a powerful figure within the country’s sporting establishment, confirmed he has held talks with Guardiola over the vacancy. However, he admitted there is no guarantee the 55-year-old will accept.

In comments published by Italian outlet Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malago said the federation was willing to make a rare financial exception to secure one of the most successful coaches in modern football.

When asked directly whether the coach’s salary cap could be relaxed specifically for Guardiola, Malago replied: “Yes, and that is the exception for obvious reasons. I won’t go into detail here, but it’s not sure that this 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.”

Italy ready to bend financial rules for Guardiola

The Italian federation typically operates within strict wage limits for its national team coaches, but Guardiola’s track record has led officials to consider an unprecedented package.

Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a decade in which he turned the club into a dominant force. During his time at the Etihad Stadium he won six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s elite tactical minds.

Malago’s remarks suggest Italy’s leadership believes Guardiola could be the figure to overhaul a national side in crisis, even if it means stretching budgets in a way rarely seen in Italian football governance.

Azzurri in crisis after World Cup failures

Italy’s pursuit of Guardiola comes against the backdrop of a deepening malaise in the national team. The Azzurri, four-time World Cup winners, have failed to qualify for the tournament three times in a row, a staggering decline for one of international football’s traditional powers.

The latest failure, confirmed in March, has triggered renewed scrutiny of the entire system – from youth development to coaching philosophy. Securing a manager of Guardiola’s calibre is seen by some within the game as a way to reset the direction of Italian football.

Italy are not in action again in a competitive fixture until 25 September 2026, when they face Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, giving any new coach time to impose their ideas before the next major tournament cycle.

Guardiola’s Italian connections

Although best known for his work in Spain, Germany and England, Guardiola does have a personal link to Italian football. As a player, he spent two seasons in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, turning out for Brescia and Roma.

That experience, albeit brief, means he is familiar with the country’s football culture and environment, something Italian officials may hope will encourage him to consider the role seriously.

However, Guardiola has not publicly commented on his future plans since leaving Manchester City, and there is no indication yet of his appetite for a move into international management.

Mancini and Pirlo among alternatives

Reports in Italy suggest that, while Guardiola is viewed as the most ambitious target, the federation is also exploring other options.

Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to their Euro 2020 triumph, is believed to be under consideration for a return. Ex-midfielder Andrea Pirlo, a World Cup winner in 2006 and a former Juventus coach, has also been mentioned as a candidate.

The decision over who will lead Italy into the next phase will be one of the most consequential appointments in the federation’s recent history. For now, Malago says the priority is to keep the lines of communication open with Guardiola, even as the country weighs up more traditional alternatives.