The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is prepared to make financial “exceptions” to secure Pep Guardiola as the next Italy head coach, president Giovanni Malagò has confirmed. The development comes as Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists he will not interfere in the selection process, leaving the decision entirely to the federation’s new technical hierarchy.
Italy have been without a permanent manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the four-time world champions’ failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Under-21 boss Silvio Baldini has temporarily overseen the senior side for two matches while the federation searches for a long-term appointment.
Guardiola leads fan poll
Guardiola, who recently departed Manchester City after a decade in charge, has emerged as the primary target. Technical director Paolo Maldini and special advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona at the weekend to hold discussions with the Catalan coach regarding the vacancy.
According to a poll published by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola is the most popular choice among Italy supporters, securing 34 per cent of votes. Antonio Conte ranks second with 19 per cent, while Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini each received 17 per cent.
Malagò acknowledged that special financial arrangements would be necessary to attract Guardiola, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: “[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.” However, he cautioned: “Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
Government pledges neutrality
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Abodi stressed that political neutrality was essential during the selection process. “Whoever it is, we must stay close to him and support the project that will be elaborated along with Maldini, Leonardo, and the FIGC President,” he said. “You must love the Azzurri jersey and this is not the time to question it.”
Abodi added: “There is always someone, but that’s not the issue here, because it’s only right that those whose job it is to choose be allowed to make that decision. Whoever is chosen, he will be the coach of my team. I don’t want to interfere in the reflections that are being made this week.”
Asked whether the shortlist was limited to Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo, Malagò replied: “Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.”
New hierarchy rebuilds after World Cup failure
The appointment represents a critical juncture for Italian football as the new FIGC hierarchy attempts to rebuild the national setup. Malagò was recently elected federation president following the departure of Gabriele Gravina, while Maldini has taken on the role of technical director with Leonardo serving as advisor.
Maldini’s appointment has received a 61 per cent positive approval rating from supporters surveyed. The federation is expected to conclude its deliberations and announce a permanent coach in the coming days as it seeks to reverse the trend of successive qualification failures.