Italy's Football Federation Discusses Guardiola Coaching Role

Giovanni Malago, the head of Italy's football federation, confirmed that he held discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the coaching vacancy for the Italian national football team. In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio published on Wednesday, Malago stated that while there could be financial exceptions made for Guardiola's salary, he was uncertain if this arrangement would materialize.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Guardiola, who has experience in Italian football from his time playing for Brescia and AS Roma between 2001 and 2003. The Italian national team is currently facing difficulties, having failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Guardiola, 55, recently stepped down from his position at Manchester City after a successful tenure that included six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Other candidates for the national team coaching position include former Italy internationals Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title.