Italian FA confirm talks to appoint Pep Guardiola as strict rule break approved

The Italian FA have officially confirmed talks for Pep Guardiola to become next their next head coach.

Ever since it was confirmed that Guardiola would be leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season, questions have been raised about what would be next for the Premier League legend.

As one of the most accomplished managers in recent history, it's hard to imagine what job would be of interest to the 55-year-old, with many expecting he could follow former rival Jurgen Klopp and take some time away from management.

However, recent rumours have suggested that Guardiola could soon return to the dugout as an international manager for the first time in his career, with Italy said to be the frontrunners.

Following their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, the Italian FA confirmed that they and manager Gennaro Gattuso had agreed to "mutually terminate" his contract.

And now the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malago, has confirmed that they are prepared to make financial 'exceptions' during talks to appoint Guardiola.

“[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola,” Malago told Italian digital sports media platform Cronache di spogliatoio.

“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this deal will go through.”

Reports linking Guardiola and the vacancy with the Italian national team first emerged earlier this week.

Talks involving legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, who was recently appointed as the technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor Leonardo, with Guardiola are believed to have taken place in Barcelona in recent weeks.

Having spent two seasons with in the Serie A with Brescia and Roma during his playing days, Guardiola is a fluent Italian speaker and is therefore seen as a perfect fit for the national team.

Should Guardiola be appointed as the new Italy boss it would no doubt come as a disappointment to some England fans who hoped he may replace Thomas Tuchel after the Three Lions' World Cup exit.

Although England's third-place finish at the World Cup being the best since winning the competition in 1966, the nature of their semi-final loss to Argentina has placed pressure on Tuchel, who remains under contract until 2028.

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Italy confirm Guardiola among three-man shortlist to replace Gattuso

But Guardiola isn't the only man in the running for the job as Italy's new head coach, as Malago confirmed that at least two other names are in contention for the role.

Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, and Italy legend Andrea Pirlo are both believed to be potential candidates, particularly if Guardiola isn't available.

However, when asked if Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malago added: “Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.”