Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has confirmed that the organisation is in discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the role of head coach of the Italy national team. In an exclusive interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, set to air in full on Wednesday 22 July, Malagò revealed that while the FIGC operates within a defined budget, an exception could be made for a figure of Guardiola's stature.
"We are talking with Guardiola. There is a budget, but for him an exception can be made," Malagò stated, as reported by Calciomercato.com on 21 July 2026. The statement marks the first official confirmation from the FIGC that the Catalan manager — one of the most decorated coaches in world football — is a genuine target for the Azzurri bench.
Guardiola, 55, left Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season after a trophy-laden nine-year spell at the Etihad, during which he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and multiple domestic cups. He has been linked with several national team vacancies since his departure, with Italy emerging as a serious contender.
The Italy job has been a revolving door in recent years. After Luciano Spalletti's brief tenure ended following a disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the FIGC has been searching for a high-profile replacement capable of restoring the Nazionale to the upper echelons of international football. The federation's willingness to break its salary structure for Guardiola underscores the urgency and ambition of the project.
Malagò's comments suggest that negotiations are at an advanced stage, though no agreement has been finalised. The full interview, which airs on Wednesday, is expected to provide further details on the federation's plans, including contract length, coaching staff structure, and the technical project proposed to Guardiola.
Should Guardiola accept, he would become the first foreign head coach of Italy since the post-war era, and one of the most high-profile appointments in the history of the Nazionale. His tactical philosophy, emphasis on possession-based football, and track record of developing young talent align with the FIGC's long-term vision for the national team setup.
Sources
- https://www.calciomercato.com/liste/italia-malago-stiamo-parlando-con-guardiola-c-e-un-budget-ma-per-lui-si-puo-fare-un-eccezione/blt1bcd173b33eb8a2d
