Italia confirma conversaciones con Guardiola para que lidere la selección, según medios

(Regional 97.3) Pep Guardiola has held conversations to become the head coach of the Italian national team, according to Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), as reported to local media. Guardiola left Manchester City in May after more than a decade at the club, during which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

Italy has been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, after the four-time world champion nation failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Speaking to Italian sports digital platform Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malago confirmed that discussions with Guardiola had taken place and suggested financial flexibility could be offered for a candidate of his stature. “Exceptions have been made (financial), exceptions that, for example, could refer to the name that is being so heavily mentioned right now: Pep Guardiola,” Malago said. “Exceptions for obvious reasons that I will not explain here, but it is not certain that this will go ahead.”

These remarks constitute the first public confirmation that the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City manager has been contacted regarding the vacant Italy coaching position. The FIGC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Guardiola, 55, left City at the end of last season after a decade of dominance in English football. Before joining City in 2016, he won two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles with Barcelona, as well as three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

Italian football has reached its lowest point in nearly 40 years, following a widespread early elimination from European club competitions and the failure to qualify for the World Cup last season. The appointment of a new national team coach is seen as the first step toward reforming a youth and talent infrastructure that has largely collapsed in a country where football remains a national obsession.

With information from Reuters.