Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy's next head coach, the Italian Football Federation president has confirmed — with financial 'exceptions' reportedly in place to land the most decorated manager of his generation.
Giovanni Malago told Italian sports media platform Cronache di spogliatoio that exceptions could be made for a name 'so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola'. 'Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through,' he said.
“Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy head coach, with financial 'exceptions' possible for his salary.”
Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League. He is free to take up another role, having previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third World Cup in a row. The four-time world champions now face the prospect of appointing a foreign manager for only the third time in their history — though Guardiola speaks fluent Italian and spent two seasons playing in Serie A from 2001 to 2003, with spells at Brescia and Roma.
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and ex-midfielder Andrea Pirlo, now coaching Dubai United, are also being considered. But asked if they are the only candidates, Malago responded: 'Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.'
Guardiola has never managed at international level. When his City reign ended in May, he said: 'I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other.'
If appointed, it would be a swift return to football for the 55-year-old Spaniard, who Sky Italia first reported had been in contact with the FIGC on Monday. BBC Sport has contacted the Italian federation for comment.